A target date has been set for implementing reduced closure times on a Kingston road, according to a local opposition councillor. 

Coombe Hill councillor, Cllr Rowena Bass, has claimed Kingston Council will introduce the revised restrictions on Crescent Road, in Kingston Hill, by the end of the month. 

The changes will see the road become 'exit only' between 7.30am - 9.30am Monday to Friday, as opposed to being closed around-the-clock. 

The news follows the introduction of the controversial Experimental Traffic Management Order (ETMO) in March 2025, which imposed the measure for non-residents travelling towards Richmond Park in addition to one-way systems on King's Road and New Road. 

The Order was introduced as part of the council's Active Travel and Healthy Streets initiative, which aimed to reduce car usage and encourage more residents to walk and cycle. 

Whilst the one-way systems received widespread support, the Crescent Road section of the Order was met with backlash, with the route becoming permanently closed to the majority of traffic - a decision opposed by 406 out of 636 respondents. 

That restriction was relaxed by the Kingston and North Kingston committee in January, but Bass argues the change doesn't go far enough - and would instead like to see the road reopened fully. 

She said: "Crescent Road should be open at all times. "The new times will still affect morning rush hour traffic, including hospital traffic. 

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"Many Kingston Vale residents now resort to driving up and down the A3 to access Kingston that way." 

The Kingston Chamber of Commerce Director also criticised the delay in implementing the new times, which was imposed following a Scrutiny Panel meeting last month. 

She saif: "The (introduction of the new) one-way closure times for Crescent Road seems to have taken a long time, significantly affecting journey times for many Coombe Hill residents off Kingston Hill and Kingston Vale whether by car or bus. 

"Due to the delay, Crescent Road is closed to all cars 24/7 (apart from those with existing permits) travelling down Kingston Hill, so the full delays continue and motorists continue to get fined."

Cllr Bass further claimed Crescent Road is the borough's highest moving traffic fine scheme, alleging over 25,000 fines totalling over £1,000,000 have been issued to date. 

The amendment, alongside other alterations imposed to the ETMO in January's meeting, is set to be reviewed early next year, at which point its impact will be fully assessed. 

Kingston Council has been contacted for comment.