At 9.45 am on Thursday 3 April a group of local residents and traders will hold up posters and hand out leaflets to protest against TfL’s plans to ‘gridlock’ Holland Park Roundabout by removing lanes, adding new traffic lights and running a new cycle lane through the middle of it, when there is already parallel infrastructure for cyclists on either side.

Protesters are objecting to TfL’s traffic scheme as they believe that it will result in traffic displacement to local side streets, increased congestion and pollution, longer journey time and economic damage to local businesses. The protest will take place outside Shepherd’s Bush station.

The campaigners are also objecting to the ‘misleading’ way that TfL has promoted its scheme, arguing that:

·       TfL’s scheme is not needed;

·       TfL’s scheme is unlikely to be safe;

·       TfL has used flawed data (on accidents and traffic modelling);

·       There is overwhelming local opposition (less than 12% supportive in TfL’s consultation);

·       TfL’s publicity has been extremely misleading; and

·       Residents have a better solution.

Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, said of the scheme:

“This location is on my Safer Junctions list and there is an urgent need to improve safety for cyclists at this location. The high traffic volumes mean this roundabout is dangerous and intimidating for the large numbers of people who already cycle here. The current layout acts as a major barrier to many who would like to cycle.

“TfL’s assessments showed that the existing toucan crossings and subways are not appropriate for the volume of people moving on foot and by bike through the junction. Many people cycling choose to remain on the carriageway and TfL’s planned scheme will improve the safety for these people.”

(Pic: Mapillary)