Chris,
I was the one who complained, or at least expressed concern, hoping for some reassurance. Instead TfL, after a few weeks to respond, came back to me to tell me that these fences would not be removed. They offered no evidence to support their removal from this site, which makes me think that nobody had properly considered the implications prior to their decision to remove them.

Statistically crossings are safer without fences. I accept that, but statistics can hide a few details. How many of these fenceless crossings are in places where the main route makes a sweeping turn, as is the case here? And how many of these fenceless crossings had other work to improve safety?

I would welcome the removal of these fences as part of a well considered plan for this junction and the rather small pedestrian island. Some have suggested a full pedestrian phase at the junction, others have suggested better placement of filter lights and pedestrian signals, and a wider pedestrian island.

We are meant to see the other fences removed from the other islands at this junction (where fenceless crossings are more pleasant and unlikely to be any more dangerous). Unfortunately TfL used a contractor who cannot read maps or carry out simple instructions.