Transport for London (TfL) is to make its controversial traffic scheme on the A10 Bishopsgate permanent, despite public opposition.
The transport authority said it had introduced a series of temporary changes along the road in August 2020 in response to the pandemic, which were designed to make it safer and easier for people to walk, cycle and use public transport.
This included restrictions on vehicles using the road on weekdays between 7am and 7pm. Wider footways were also constructed along the corridor to ensure social distancing and a number of banned turns introduced along the road.
The scheme was part of mayor Sadiq Khan’s Streetspace plan and both were found to be unlawful in January 2021 following a legal challenge, although that decision was subsequently overturned on appeal.
Last year, TfL launched a public consultation into the future of the scheme and whether it should be made permanent. It said it had received more than 2,150 responses but did not reveal the nature of the responses, stating instead that 'enabling more people to use healthier and more sustainable forms of travel is vital to reducing congestion and air pollution'.
In fact, the consultation report shows that 51% (vs 44%) of respondents disagreed with a statement that the scheme is ‘a positive improvement’, while 57% (vs 34%) agreed with the statement: ‘I would like to see the scheme changed as it’s causing issues.’
TfL said data suggests that the changes have played a vital role in supporting sustainable travel along the Bishopsgate corridor, with bus journey times on the corridor two minutes per km faster northbound and one and a half minutes per km faster southbound.
It said data also demonstrates that very high numbers of people are using the scheme to cycle, with monitoring so far showing an average of 7,500 people cycling on Bishopsgate per day since the changes were introduced, which is up from around 5,700 in 2019. Numbers have peaked at 9,000 cyclists on some days.
Provisional safety data also shows a reduction in overall collisions.
TfL said the decision to make the changes permanent will be followed by short-term upgrades to improve the streetscape, as well as further safety and public realm improvements in future years.
Will Norman, London's walking and cycling commissioner, said: ‘These changes at Bishopsgate have made a huge difference to the way people travel through the area, which is why I’m delighted they’ll now be made permanent.
‘The area has become safer for both pedestrians and cyclists, and bus journey times have reduced thanks to the new vehicle restrictions on the road.’
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