TfL to seek sponsor for Bricklayers Arms roundabout

TfL's partner Marketing Force has applied to Southwark Council (application 17/AP/2836) for permission to put up five sponsorship signs around the Bricklayers Arms junction where New Kent Road meets Old Kent Road, Tower Bridge Road and Great Dover Street.

Similar sponsorship signs briefly appeared in Stamford Street in 2014.

In a letter to Southwark planners, TfL's Danny Calver writes that "we do not believe the proposed signs will unduly distract drivers and are satisfied that installation and maintenance can be managed appropriately".

Marketing Force claims that the initiative is an example of highway authorities and town planners working together to "provide amenity value and income from their assets".

Transport for London has recently ruled out allowing the Grow Elephant community garden (currently on part of the former Heygate Estate site) to relocate to the Bricklayers Arms junction.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan told Florence Eshalomi AM: "Unfortunately there are real practical problems with using the roundabout in this way and I have instead asked TfL to discuss with Grow Elephant suitable alternative opportunities and provide support wherever possible.

"The land on Bricklayers Arms roundabout is public highway for which TfL is responsible. Apart from the difficulty in getting water supply to the roundabout, the provision of vehicular access, and the level of public liability insurance required, Grow Elephant requires a hoarded area to store equipment and gardening tools, which would need a 'stopping up' order to close off public access on part of the site.

"This land is used as a hard standing area during major events so cannot be made available for exclusive use by Grow Elephant."