GREEN Party activists slammed Islington Council’s bungled attempt to stop lorries driving through Highbury, which they claim pose a threat to cyclists’ safety.
The council introduced a width restriction near Drayton Park station last year to stop large vehicles driving through residential streets but after a series of accidents the council removed the width restriction in June, allowing lorries to pass through the area again.
Caroline Russell, a Highbury resident and pedestrian activist, said the policy had been “a disaster from start to finish”. She said: “It’s been a completely wasted opportunity. They could have had great space for pedestrians, great space for cyclists and sufficient space for vehicles.”
Ms Russell’s comments were supported by Chris Ashby, a keen cyclist who has lived in the area for 40 years. He said: “We could have had a paradise for pedestrians and cyclists, but instead we’ve got a rat run.” He believed that inexperienced cyclists would be put off taking to the road, saying: “If I was a new cyclist I would be discouraged from using this route. They’ve made a real hash of it.”
A spokesperson said the council was monitoring the situation and investigating options to slow down traffic.
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