Boris: Surface crossings at Elephant & Castle southern roundabout 'in summer 2010'

The announcement by the Mayor means that pedestrians will continue to use the run-down subways for another year – with completion of the works a full four years behind the original timetable set by Southwark Council.

Since 2006 there has been delay after delay to the long-awaited works to provide a better environment for pedestrians and cyclists at the junction of Walworth Road and Newington Butts at the Elephant & Castle.

Last year the incoming Conservative administration of Boris Johnson sent the plans for a signalled three-way junction back to the drawing board over concerns about the impact on traffic flows in Kennington.

It is thought that Transport for London now favours retention of the roundabout layout with added pedestrian crossings at surface level.

Responding to a question from Lambeth & Southwark's London Assembly member Val Shawcross, the Mayor said:

"The layout for the latest revision proposed at the southern roundabout has been agreed in principle with the London Borough of Southwark, pending the traffic modelling study that is currently being undertaken by TfL.

"Numerous safety checks of the design are also being progressed and TfL will undertake an assessment of the operational validity of the scheme towards the end of Spring 2009.

"Following approval, TfL would then proceed to detailed design. The aim is to be on site in early 2010 with a completion of the construction works towards the end of the summer 2010."