Henlys Corner plans in doubt

8:19am Friday 4th July 2008

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A "clear solution" to the traffic problems at Henlys Corner put forward four months ago has been thrown into question.

Barnet Council this week condemned Transport for London's (TfL) £5 million plan for a signal-controlled crossing at the junction, as being too "short-term".

The council would prefer a junction where vehicles join the road using slip roads, which it says would ease traffic flow.

Councillor Andrew Harper, cabinet member for environment and transport, said: "The current proposal would generate a considerable amount of congestion and delay for at least 18 months.

"The council has concerns about increasing congestion through residential roads and continues to work constructively with TfL."

However, TfL refuted suggestions that traffic flow would be affected by the crossings and said the solution would improve safety for drivers and pedestrians.

Former Deputy Mayor of London, Nicky Gavron claimed in February that the crossing was a "clear solution" for the junction, where 177 collisions have occurred in ten years.

A TfL spokeswoman said: "The key objectives of this scheme are to provide signal-controlled pedestrian crossing and cycling facilities, improve junction safety and reduce accidents while avoiding any detrimental impact on the junction for vehicles. The scheme is affordable and, with the support of Barnet Council, could be delivered in 2011."

She said TfL would be prepared to discuss with councillors the possibilities of a more substantial junction overhaul.

A council spokesman said: "There is nothing the council can do to stop TfL persisting with the scheme, however we continue constructive dialogue to find a solution that is satisfactory."

Thea Valman, of Bridge Lane, has campaigned vigorously for safety improvements at the junction.

She said: "People are getting killed and injured while trying to cross the road, so we want this resolved quickly."

Barnet Labour group criticised the council for not backing TfL's proposals, claiming the council's solution would be more expensive and take longer to complete.

Labour transport spokeswoman Councillor Kath McGuirk said: "The cost of the scheme is astronomical. We had a workable scheme that was affordable, ready to go and that the community were happy with."