23 August 2007

Plans to close sections of London's motorway network are being considered by Transport for London (TfL) and the Highways Agency.

Minutes of a meeting in July 2007, written by David Brown, TfL's managing director of surface transport say:

'We discussed also the initiatives we are taking with the Highways Agency to consider longer term options for improved traffic control in relation to the motorway network.”

The document went on:

'I must stress the work with HA is at a very early stage but they do recognise the need to work together to understand the impact of motorway traffic on local roads, where all roads must compete for space.”

Describing the plans as 'ludicrous”, Brian Coleman, Deputy Chairman of the London Assembly and Assembly Member for Barnet and Camden said:

'This is a secret plot by TfL to shut down London's motorway links. They would be better off investing the money in finishing improvements to the North Circular.”

Explaining what he believes the plans would mean for the M1, A1 and North Circular, which all run through his constituency, Mr Coleman warned:

“These plans could see the closing off of Junction 2 of the M1 from where traffic feeds down the Henlys Corner and the North Circular. I understand this would happen during the morning rush hour. What are the people who live and work in my constituency to make of these plans?

“Transport for London and the Highways Agency need to develop proper plans to improve London's motorway network, not sneak about in the shadows with these highly unpopular schemes and then pounce on unsuspecting motorists with these defeatist, half-baked plans.”

The minutes also show that London sections of the M3 and M4 are also in the firing line, in particular the M4 where Junction 2 at the Kew end of Chiswick High Road would be closed during the morning peak period.

For additional infomation see: www.london.gov.uk/assembly and www.tfl.gov.uk and www.highways.gov.uk