Hammersmith Broadway in top ten worst traffic hotspots

---

If C-Charge extension go ahead, gyratory be severely effected, says Hands

According to a survey carried out by London First, the business campaign group working to improve and promote the capital, Hammersmith Broadway is among the top ten worst London traffic hotspots:

1. Blackwall Tunnel and approach

2. Trafalgar Square

3. Euston Road at Kings Cross

4. The Strand

5. Archway gyratory

6. North Circular Road between Golders Green Road and Falloden Way

7. North Circular Road between Hanger Lane and Gunnersbury Avenue

8. Hammersmith gyratory

9. Chiswick High Road (South Circular)

10. Wandsworth one-way system

London First urgently calls for TfL to tackle the 10 hotspots revealed by a sample of London First members who together run over 47,000 vehicles. The survey also reveals that two of the hotspots are in the congestion charging zone and that none of the other top 10 hotspots are in the proposed western extension. Congestion has a negative impact on business. According to Transport for London (TfL), traffic delays, including those to buses, in central London cost nearly £900m a year. Traffic congestion in London as a whole is also twice as bad as in other major cities.

Jo Valentine, Chief Executive London First, comments: “There are serious blockages on major cross London routes used by commercial traffic for deliveries and servicing and buses. Reducing congestion is a top priority for business. If London is to remain a world city and the economic engine of the UK, TfL should implement a four year programme of traffic management solutions, including a review of traffic light timings, and build on the good work that has already been done by its traffic management unit. This would be a better use of time and money than extending the congestion zone westwards.”

 

Cllr Greg Hands has once again called upon Ken Livingstone to scrap plans for the westward extension to the Congestion Charge. The Hammersmith & Fulham Conservative Parliamentary Spokesman believes that were the extension to go ahead thousands of extra cars would be forced onto the borough’s streets, with drivers attempting to avoid the charge. The Hammersmith gyratory would undoubtedly be severely effected.

Commenting, Greg said:  “The report by London First is yet more evidence why the westwards C-Charge extension would be devastating for Hammersmith & Fulham. Yet the Mayor still ploughs on with the plans. I want to see action that will alleviate congestion on our roads, especially the Hammersmith Gyratory – not politically motivated schemes that will make it worse.

February 27, 2005