A New Malden "home zone" has been branded a farce and an insult, just days before it was to receive a national award.

Residents from Cavendish Road and Cromwell Avenue claim they live at risk from speeding traffic, dangerous parking and abuse from drivers misusing the zone, which was originally created to improve pedestrian safety.

People from 80 households in the area have signed a petition to highlight their opposition, which they have sent to Kingston Council.

And Annette Koshti-Richman of Cromwell Avenue said, given more time, she could have collected double the amount of signatures.

Kingston Council, responsible for the home zone project, was due to receive an award from the Local Government News, as winners of the Street Design 2005 competition in the next few weeks.

And Jalal Sobbohi, Kingston Council's Traffic and Transportation Manager, who led the project, has defended the scheme, saying residents were consulted on the home zone before its construction.

Opposition has grown because of frequent abuse from drivers heading the wrong way along the scheme's one-way system.

John Abnett of Tadworth Road said: "When I told one man he was driving the wrong way he got out of his car and threatened me. I had to drive away and have been made to feel vulnerable in my own street."

Residents also say the lack of pavements and road markings meant haphazard parking could create dangerous blind spots for both drivers and pedestrians.

And another Cromwell Avenue resident, Mrs Barnard said: "There are not enough road signs, parking is not clearly defined and people still speed despite the 20 mph limit."

Although disappointed at the latest objection, Mr Sobbohi said he was delighted about the award.

He said: "Whatever you do there are critics and that's how you progress."

Joint winner with the Cavendish home zone, was Manorgate Road in Norbiton, a project also led by Mr Sobbohi.

The Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Yogan Yoganathan, will receive the awards at this morning's ceremony on Cavendish Road.

Mr Richman said: "This award is a farce and a self-congratulatory pat on the back."

Mr Sobbohi assured complainants their opinions would be considered in a review scheduled for the autumn.

Mrs Koshti-Richman said: "This is insensitive to the needs of the residents and only enforces the view that this problem is a low priority."

Laura Sharman, editor of Local Government News, said the competition had been judged by an independent panel.

hsummers@london.newsquest.co.uk