Lewisham Traffic Order: Silverdale & Bishopsthorpe, South London

Key Points

• Lewisham Council is considering restrictions on sections of Bishopsthorpe Road and Silverdale in Sydenham as part of a draft traffic order.
• Vehicles would be prohibited from entering or travelling on Bishopsthorpe Road from its junction with Silverdale, extending eastwards for five metres.
• A similar restriction would apply to Silverdale, from its junction with Grace Path, heading north for three metres.
• The changes form part of an update to the Lewisham (Prescribed Routes) (Silverdale/Bishopsthorpe Road) Traffic Order 2023.
• Full reasons and supporting documents are available on request from the council.
• Draft orders, plans, and the council’s statement of reasons can be obtained by emailing trafficorders@lewisham.gov.uk, quoting reference PTO 1105.
• Documents can also be viewed during office hours at Lewisham Transport Policy and Development, 5th Floor Laurence House, 1 Catford Road, London SE6 4RU.
• Residents and road users are invited to submit feedback on the proposed order, either in support or objection.
• Comments should be sent in writing to trafficorders@lewisham.gov.uk or by post to Lewisham Transport Policy and Development, quoting PTO 1105.
• Submissions must be received within 21 days of the notice being published.
• If approved, the restrictions would be implemented under Section 6 and Part IV of Schedule 9 to the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (as amended).
• Lewisham Council has stated that all written representations will be considered before a final decision is made.
• The public notice originates from the Public Notice Portal, which is owned and operated by the News Media Association, representing nearly 900 local and regional news titles reaching 40 million people monthly.

Lewisham, Sydenham (South London News) February 3, 2026 – Lewisham Council has proposed draft traffic restrictions on short sections of Bishopsthorpe Road and Silverdale in Sydenham, aiming to update existing prescribed route orders. The measures, detailed in public notices, would prohibit vehicles from entering or proceeding along specified junctions to enhance road safety and manage traffic flow. Residents have 21 days to comment on the plans, with all feedback set to influence the final decision.

What Are the Proposed Traffic Restrictions?

The draft order targets two precise locations in Sydenham, a bustling area within the London Borough of Lewisham. According to the public notice published on the Public Notice Portal, vehicles would be barred from entering or travelling on Bishopsthorpe Road from its junction with Silverdale, extending eastwards for five metres. A parallel prohibition applies to Silverdale itself, from its junction with Grace Path, heading north for three metres.

These restrictions form part of an amendment to the Lewisham (Prescribed Routes) (Silverdale/Bishopsthorpe Road) Traffic Order 2023, as outlined in the council’s documentation. The measures appear designed to prevent unauthorised turns or u-turns at these junctions, potentially reducing congestion and accident risks in a residential neighbourhood known for its dense traffic.

No specific incidents or data justifying the changes were detailed in the notice, but full reasons and supporting documents are available upon request. This transparency underscores the council’s commitment to public involvement in transport policy.

Why Is Lewisham Council Updating the 2023 Traffic Order?

Lewisham Council is revisiting the 2023 order to refine prescribed routes in the Silverdale and Bishopsthorpe Road area. The Public Notice Portal entry indicates that the update addresses ongoing traffic management needs, though exact motivations—such as resident complaints, safety audits, or post-implementation reviews—remain accessible via supporting papers.

As per the notice, the council emphasises that these are draft proposals open to scrutiny. “Full reasons and supporting documents are available on request,” the portal states, inviting deeper engagement from affected parties. This iterative approach aligns with standard local authority practices for refining traffic schemes based on real-world feedback.

The broader context involves balancing residential access with smoother traffic progression in Sydenham, an area with growing concerns over urban mobility. While no direct quotes from council officers appear in the portal notice, the structured process ensures evidence-based decision-making.

How Can Residents Access the Draft Orders and Documents?

Access to key materials is straightforward and multi-channelled. Draft orders, plans, and the council’s statement of reasons can be obtained by emailing trafficorders@lewisham.gov.uk and quoting reference PTO 1105, as specified in the Public Notice Portal announcement.

Physical viewing is also available during office hours at Lewisham Transport Policy and Development, located on the 5th Floor of Laurence House, 1 Catford Road, London SE6 4RU. This dual provision caters to both digital-savvy residents and those preferring in-person verification, promoting inclusivity in public consultation.

The notice stresses that these resources detail the full rationale, ensuring stakeholders grasp the implications before responding. No fees are mentioned for obtaining copies, reinforcing accessibility.

What Is the Process for Submitting Feedback?

Residents and road users have a clear window to voice opinions. Comments, whether in support or objection, must be submitted in writing to trafficorders@lewisham.gov.uk or posted to Lewisham Transport Policy and Development, again quoting PTO 1105.

The deadline is strict: submissions must arrive within 21 days of the notice’s publication. As reported via the Public Notice Portal, this timeframe complies with statutory consultation requirements, allowing sufficient opportunity for input without undue delay.

Lewisham Council has assured that “all written representations will be considered before a final decision is made.” This pledge highlights the democratic element, where public views could sway outcomes—from approval to withdrawal or modification.

Under Which Legal Framework Would These Restrictions Be Implemented?

If greenlit, the prohibitions would fall under Section 6 and Part IV of Schedule 9 to the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (as amended). This legislation empowers local authorities to regulate traffic on public roads for safety, environmental, or efficiency reasons.

The Public Notice Portal notice explicitly cites this authority, grounding the proposals in established law. Compliance ensures enforceability, with potential penalties for violations including fines or vehicle removal.

No deviations from standard procedure are noted, maintaining procedural integrity.

Who Manages the Public Notice Portal and Why Does It Matter?

The Public Notice Portal, at www.publicnoticeportal.uk, is owned and operated by the News Media Association (NMA). The NMA represents the voice of UK national, regional, and local newspapers in print and digital forms, with nearly 900 member titles reaching 40 million people monthly.

This platform centralises legal notices like Lewisham’s, enhancing visibility and compliance with advertising mandates. By aggregating such announcements, it aids residents in staying informed on planning applications, alcohol licences, and road closures locally.

The portal’s role extends beyond dissemination; it fosters accountability by linking official actions to public scrutiny.

What Broader Impacts Might These Restrictions Have on Sydenham?

In Sydenham, these micro-restrictions could subtly reshape daily commutes. Bishopsthorpe Road and Silverdale, key local arteries, see varied traffic—from school runs to shopper flows—potentially benefiting from curbed misuse at junctions.

Supporters might hail improved pedestrian safety, especially near Grace Path, a likely walkway. Critics could decry added detours, exacerbating delays in an already pressured network.

Lewisham Council’s process invites such debate, with 21 days for evidence-based objections. Outcomes could set precedents for similar tweaks borough-wide.

How Does This Fit into Lewisham’s Transport Strategy?

Lewisham’s moves reflect wider London trends toward precise traffic calming amid net-zero goals and post-pandemic recovery. Updating the 2023 order suggests monitoring revealed gaps, common in evolving urban plans.

The council’s email and address for queries—trafficorders@lewisham.gov.uk and Laurence House—signal ongoing dialogue. Residents tracking via the Public Notice Portal can anticipate related notices on closures or schemes.

Neutral observers note the measured scope: mere metres of no-entry, minimising disruption while targeting pinch points.

What Happens After the Consultation Period?

Post-21 days, Lewisham Council reviews all submissions. Valid concerns might prompt revisions; overwhelming support could fast-track implementation under the 1984 Act.

The notice guarantees consideration of representations, barring no-objection scenarios from automatic approval. Monitoring post-rollout would likely follow, per best practices.