Transport for London (TfL) has promised work on the Malden Rushett junction next year will not go as badly as the delayed Hook Parade revamp.

Eight months of roadworks are due to start in the spring, according to Kingston Council.

A TfL representative told south of the borough councillors lessons had been learned.

Toyin Odusina said: “I must apologise for what happened at Hook Parade.

“We have learned our lesson from work that is currently taking place. We are still working up the design. As with any other scheme, there could be changes.”

But Councillor Patricia Bamford questioned whet-her improvements would be completed on time.

She added: “That is not our current experience with work done by TfL this year.

“My fear is that a scheme of this size could well, or will, have a major impact on travel in this area.”

Councillors approved the plans on Tuesday night in a unanimous vote.

Committee chairman Councillor Rachel Reid said: “We welcome anything that is going to move forward.”

Nearly three-quarters of residents support the scheme.

Nobody reported having “no opinion” when consulted by TfL, while 20 people had mixed views, and five out of 107 did not support the scheme.

The plans include the widening of Fairoak Lane and Rushett Lane as they approach the notorious junction, and the addition of a pedestrian crossing over Fairoak Lane.

Beryl Gibson, chairman of the Malden Rushett residents’ association, said: “I would have expected that many. The bulk of people up here want that junction.”

Councillor Margaret Thompson told the committee she had spoken to residents who worried that proposed new lighting might be either too bright, or too concentrated, leaving stretches of road unlit.

lMeanwhile the revamp of £3.1m Tolworth Broadway is a month behind schedule.

Work on the greenway was due to finish today.

Kingston Council traffic engineer Peter Johnson told councillors on Tuesday night the work is now due to be completed in mid-October.