A row has broken out over plans to make one of the most dangerous junctions in London safer for cyclists by installing a protected cycle lane.
Tory MP Felicity Buchan said Transport for London’s proposals for the Holland Park roundabout should be rejected because they would delay buses and allow cyclists from outside her constituency to “cycle in a straight line”.
She said allowing the cycle lane to be installed could be a “precursor” to it being extended along Holland Park Avenue to Notting Hill – a TfL proposal that was blocked by Kensington and Chelsea council in 2019 after a massive row.
But TfL says improvements to the roundabout – known for its water tower – are required after 59 people, including 14 cyclists and pedestrians, were hurt in collisions in the three years to last May, six of them seriously.
The proposals, which are being consulted on until March 3, involve building a two-way cycle lane on the inner lane of the roundabout’s southern edge to create a protected route between Holland Park Avenue and Shepherd’s Bush Green.
This would link with a cycle route through the green that leads to and from Wood Lane and TfL’s Cycleway 34.
But cyclists heading east would arrive at Holland Park Avenue, where they would face a daunting uphill climb amid two lanes of fast-moving traffic towards Notting Hill. Those heading west face an awkward manoeuvre at the bottom of Holland Park Avenue to access the cycle lane.
Cyclists would have their own traffic lights to enable them to cross the junction safely. The junction is one of the 73 most dangerous in London for cyclists that TfL aims to upgrade.
Ms Buchan, the MP for Kensington, said the changes would increase congestion on Holland Park Avenue and Holland Road, worsen air pollution, deter people from shopping on Holland Park Avenue and increase the number of drivers “rat running” through residential areas.
She said there was already a cycle lane on the pavement on the southern edge of the roundabout that going to be retained.
Ms Buchan said: “While I am supportive of cycling and improving cycling safety, this scheme is ill-thought through. It will lead to increased traffic congestion, increased pollution and rat-running.
“Cycling infrastructure already exists so the main cycling beneficiaries will be those out of borough looking to cycle in a straight line. I therefore oppose the scheme.”
She said her views were supported by Kensington and Chelsea council, a number of residents’ groups and London Assembly member Tony Devenish.
TfL said its modelling predicted the new cycle lane would not have “significant impacts” on motorists or buses.
It said reduced journey times were expected during the morning and evening peaks “due to traffic reassignment away from Shepherd's Bush Green, West Cross Route and Holland Park Roundabout”.
It said eastbound journey times would remain “broadly similar” while there would be “no major changes to traffic flows on Holland Park Avenue”.
Will Norman, London’s walking and cycling commissioner, said: “The Mayor and I are committed to reducing the number of people being killed and seriously injured on London’s streets.
“Holland Park roundabout is one of the most dangerous junctions on the TfL road network, and has seen 56 collisions in the last three years.
“This scheme will make it safer for people walking and cycling and will help improve journey times for bus users without any significant impacts on general traffic, building a better, safer city for all Londoners.”
