Drivers are concerned that Harrow Council’s plans to introduce new traffic measures across the borough will cause “chaos” on the roads.
The council is consulting on how to spend £495,000 of funding from Transport for London (TfL) that seeks to support active travel and improve the environment in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Its proposals include increasing pedestrian space, putting in new cycle routes, improving safety measures near schools and implementing low traffic neighbourhoods.
However, a webpage dedicated to the schemes has received thousands of comments, with many critical of the proposals.
For example, objectors of plans for partial road closures in Green Lane and Dennis Lane in Stanmore said they will lead to increased congestion and force cars through other areas of the town.
Others were critical of plans to shut down roads leading to schools during drop off and pick up times, noting it will cause problems for car owners living nearby.
Elsewhere, some commenters said new cycle lanes in George V Avenue, Hatch End, will cause “serious parking issues” and suggested the money would be better spent elsewhere.
However, many were supportive of the cycling schemes, even suggesting the council go further to ensure cyclists’ safety and encourage people to get on their bikes.
Aside from the proposals themselves, some people are worried the council will try to “bulldoze” the plans through, without fully considering residents’ concerns.
When the funding for new measures was announced, Cllr Varsha Parmar, who is responsible for the environment at Harrow Council, said: “This is fantastic news for our residents who have spent the last few months taking up more active travel and exercise through walking and cycling.
“With the pandemic still here, it is so important that we do everything we can to help residents continue active travel and maintain social distancing.”
Visit harrowstreetspacesproposals.commonplace.is to view and comment on all the proposals.
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