Streatham High Road

Streatham High Road, some two miles (3.6km) in length, is part of the main A23 road from London to Brighton, and is in the London Borough of Lambeth. It begins in the north at Streatham Hill railway station, being an end-on junction with "Streatham Hill" and continues south to Norbury where the A23 becomes "London Road".

Passing through the centre of Streatham, it creates what is locally believed to be the longest high street in the whole of the United Kingdom (although it is also a contender to be the longest continuous High Street in Europe ("see" [http://homepage.ntlworld.com/alan-turnbull/eye-spy-uk-secrets2.htm] ).

"Britain's Worst Street"

In 2002 it was voted, in a contentious BBC/Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment poll, to be "Britain's Worst Street" - largely thanks to its traffic chaos, and a generally poor ambiance (run-down shopfronts, damaged pavements). However, it is a busy shopping area in the day, and a busy nightlife area in the evening.

Even before this report had appeared, a plan was being formulated by Transport for London Street Management (who are legally responsible for the road and pavement maintenance, signage and street furniture) and the London Borough of Lambeth's Highways and Streatham Town Centre Management teams to improve Streatham High Road.

This sets out to "promote the needs of pedestrians, shoppers, cyclists and public transport before the needs of traffic on the A23". ("see" [http://www.intelligentspace.com/projects/10105.htm] )

The first phase was implemented in 2004-05, with new lighting and street furniture. Lambeth is also funding a shop front improvement scheme.

The Road

After 0.6 mile (0.96km) there is a large junction complex, where "Tooting Bec Road" (A214) and "Mitcham Lane" (A216) join the A23. This is the point where most of the traffic chaos ensues. Following that point the road is relatively straight (it follows the line of a Roman road from London to Brighton). On the east is Streatham Common (now largely built upon); and at the end of the High Road is Norbury Park. Here the final small section is within the London Borough of Croydon.

External links

* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio4/today/reports/archive/features/sos1.shtml Britain's best and Worst Streetscapes]