Having had a look at Google Streetview it turns out that it's so that cyclists can access the cycle path that runs parallel to the A316.

http://goo.gl/maps/Dwor8

This however is rather narrow for both pedestrians and cyclists to share. It also doesn't allow cyclists to get out to the other side of the road for the continuation of Cole Park Road. Or maybe they are meant to go the longer route up to the roundabout to cross and then come back?

What happens if a cyclist has come along the cycle path on the other side of the road and wants to cross? What about if they have missed the access to the cycle path and want to get on to it?

I don't think the propsed new layout represents any changes for cyclists travelling in the north / south direction along both sections of Cole Park Road. They have always had to consider either crossing the busy A316 or going to the roundabout & using the pedestrian crossings there.

I think there should be 2 dropped kerbs to the turning circle - one on the east & one on the west side (approximately where the old pavements meet the turning circle) to give more sweeping access to the shared cycle / pedestrian path. With the current proposal, a cyclist emerging from the cul-de-sac, using the narrow dropped kerb, has to turn sharp left or right to stay on the cycle track. If this is the only dropped kerb & the route is a busy one (is it busy?), there will be conflicts between pedestrians, people pushing buggies, kids on mini scooters and other cyclists. Also, with the shrubbery as proposed, and the right-angled turn, visibility may be poor so users may not see each other in time to avoid a conflict.

And finally....seating? facing the traffic?

The TFL consultation has completed and reported back.

From: STEngagement
Date: 17 July 2013 10:20
Subject: Closure of Cole Park Road junction with the A316 Chertsey Road
To: STEngagement

Dear sir or madam

We recently consulted on this proposed closure, to prevent ‘rat-running’ using Cole Park Road.

We received a total of 94 responses, including 65 from the immediate area. Local opinion is strongly in favour of taking steps to reduce the rat-running, but divided on the best option to take forward. The majority of residents and others support the full closure proposal, with a small proportion supporting a partial closure and a significant number of local residents opposing full closure. There was significantly less support for closing the London Road end of Cole Park Road.

After carefully considering all responses and preliminary discussion with the Borough, we will undertake a full review of these conclusions with the local ward councillors involved in making a decision on the appropriate action to take.

A number of other issues were raised by respondents. These are considered in the full consultation report, which can be found here.

https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/streets/coleparkroad

Yours faithfully,

Luke Howard
Consultation Specialist

Another followup email from TfL:
STEngagement
To: STEngagement
Update: Proposed Closure of Cole Park Road junction with the A316 Chertsey Road

Dear sir or madam,

I wrote to you on 17 July to report on the consultation on this proposed closure.

Following the consultation, discussions with the London Borough of Richmond-upon-Thames and further investigatory work, we propose to implement a partial closure of the junction, with a left turn in (entry only) permitted for eastbound vehicles on the A316. This was proposed by 24 respondents to the consultation. The detailed designs are being finalised in preparation for a safety audit, with a view to implementation of the scheme in Spring 2014.

Yours sincerely,

Luke Howard
Consultation Specialist

Transport for London, Palestra, 197 Blackfriars Road, London, SE1 8NJ

Email back to TFL from our local CTC and RCC rep:

Date: 5 Aug 2013 17:36
Subject: Re: Update: Proposed Closure of Cole Park Road junction with the A316 Chertsey Road
To: "STEngagement"
Cc: "Tim Lennon", "Alastair Barr", "J Head"

Dear Mr Howard

I would protest in the strongest terms at this design however detailed. A "left hook" is known to be a major cause of cycle casualties and an eastbound vehicle travelling at speed along the A316 swinging across the cycle track here, probably coming from behind an unsuspecting cyclist, is the worst manoeuvre that you could allow to happen. Counting respondents does not guarantee a safe choice - the original proposal showed more evidence for professional judgement.

Regards
Paul Luton
CTC Representative for Richmond.

Please see further details of Richmond Cycling Campaigns response to this revised proposal; and more letters to TFL raising concerns about it; here:

http://www.richmondlcc.co.uk/2013/08/01/consultation-watch-cole-park-road-a316/

Now looks like it'll be full closure, see: https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/streets/coleparkroad at the end.