Woolwich residents are calling for a rethink on a dangerous road after transport chiefs said there had not been enough deaths there to warrant new speed cameras.

Ashwin Patel, 58, died in August after being hit by a car as he stood outside his shop on Hillreach - the latest in a series of accidents on the road.

His death sparked renewed calls for improved safety on the road, with more than 1,000 people signing a petition calling on Greenwich Council to introduce traffic-calming measures.

After considering the petition, the council wrote to Transport for London (TfL) making a case for speed cameras on Hillreach. 

But TfL replied saying the road did not meet the criteria of at least four deaths or serious injuries over a three-year period - the same reason why a similar campaign failed following another tragedy on Hillreach several years ago.

News Shopper:

Ashwin Patel

Last week, residents were joined at City Hall by Labour's Parliamentary Candidate for Greenwich and Woolwich Councillor Matthew Pennycook, London Assembly Member Len Duvall and Deputy Leader of Greenwich Council Councillor John Fahy, to call for a review of the decision.

Christopher Seaden from the Charlton Parkside Community Hub, who lives on Hillreach, said: "Action on this deadly stretch of road is long overdue and the community will not rest until it is made safer for those who live nearby. 

"We’re frustrated and angry at TfL’s response and urge the mayor to help residents get the matter addressed by permitting the installation of speed cameras." 

And Coun Pennycook said he was "extremely disappointed" by TfL's response, saying: "The incredible outpouring of support that we saw in the wake of Ashwin Patel’s tragic death was a testament not only to the high regard in which he was held by the local community but a clear signal of its determination to make sure that something like this never happens again."

- News Shopper is awaiting a response from TfL.