Controversial proposals to install a new cycle lane on one of London’s most dangerous roundabouts have made the headlines again as campaigners argue that flawed data has been used to justify construction.

TfL is proposing to build a new two-way protected cycle lane, traffic lights and improvements to existing pedestrian crossings at Holland Park Roundabout, as reported by Highways News last month.

According to TfL, the roundabout is one of the most dangerous in London and their planned changes will make it safer for cyclists and cause minimal congestion, says the Standard.

In its consultation, TfL said during the three-year period to May 2023, there were 54 collisions on the roundabout, in which 59 people were hurt, including 14 cyclists and pedestrians.

However, according to TfL’s road safety data, two “slight” cycling collisions are recorded on the roundabout during that period.

The Save Our Streets (SOS) campaign group is disputing the data used by TfL and used Crash Map, an independent website which presents collision data based on records published by the Department for Transport, to argue only one cycling collision is relevant to the roundabout area.

The campaign group, which represents 44 businesses and 10 residents’ associations, believes TfL’s scheme is not safe and that it will increase congestion, pollution and journey times for cyclists and motorists.

It argues that TfL based its traffic modelling on data collected during the pandemic, when traffic was at its lowest level in the past three decades, suggesting TfL’s plans would have insignificant traffic impacts.

(Pic: Save Our Streets)