The Place Committee of Kingston upon Thames Council met on Thursday 4 June 2026. The committee approved the implementation of a new zebra crossing on Coombe Lane West and awarded contracts for an e-bike hire scheme. The committee also resolved to maintain the current configuration and size of the yellow box junction at Kingston Road and Elm Road.

Coombe Lane West Proposed Zebra Crossing

The committee approved the implementation of a new zebra crossing on Coombe Lane West, located between house numbers 54 and 56. This decision followed a consultation period where 60% of respondents supported the proposal, despite 36% expressing opposition. Concerns raised by residents included potential traffic congestion, safety hazards near driveways due to zigzag markings, and site suitability due to flooding. Officers addressed these concerns by explaining that the design would incorporate drainage provisions and that manoeuvres for accessing driveways, including reversing, were considered legal under specific circumstances. The scheme, which aims to improve safety and encourage walking to school, had previously received support from the New and Old Malden and Kingston and North Kingston Neighbourhood Committees. The implementation of the crossing is scheduled for the summer.

E-Bike Concession Contract Award

Contracts for an e-bike hire concession were awarded to two suppliers, designated as Supplier A and Supplier B, for a period of three years with a possible two-year extension. The estimated contract value over the full five years for each supplier is £3.94 million. This decision aims to expand the e-bike hire service across the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames and the London Borough of Sutton, transitioning to a revenue-generating model. The committee discussed extensively the management of e-bikes, including concerns about inconsiderate parking, obstruction of pavements, and the stability of the bikes. Measures to address these issues include the introduction of geofenced virtual bays, a one-hour time limit for relocating obstructive bikes, and the planned implementation of on-street parking bays. The new contracts will also aim to ensure a fairer distribution of bikes across all wards and will work with operators to prevent non-approved providers from operating within the borough.

Kingston Road Yellow Box Junction

The committee resolved to maintain the existing configuration and size of the yellow box junction at Kingston Road and Elm Road. This decision was made following a referral from the New and Old Malden Neighbourhood Committee, which had sought to shorten the yellow box. While independent consultants confirmed that shortening the box would remain legal, they advised that it would negatively impact cyclist safety by reducing intervisibility between road users. The report highlighted that the current layout effectively balances traffic flow and road safety, particularly for cyclists who have priority at this junction. The committee acknowledged that a broader review of the junction is planned for a later date. The decision to maintain the current configuration was supported by 10 votes to 2.