Pedestrian crossing planned for Henlys Corner (From Times Series)

Pedestrian crossing planned for Henlys Corner

9:48am Monday 3rd March 2008 in

• Skip social links
• Print
• Email
•  

A proposed solution to traffic turmoil at the notorious Henlys Corner in Finchley has been welcomed by residents and campaigners.

Plans by Transport for London (TfL) would see signal-controlled pedestrian crossings installed at the junction of the A406, Regents Park Road, and Finchley Road.

The junction has become an accident blackspot in recent years, with 176 collisions in the area over the past decade.

The Deputy Mayor of London, Nicky Gavron, has backed the plans, and said there it is "urgent" a solution is found.

"The new proposals from TfL are a step forward and will make Henlys Corner safer for residents, and also for the thousands of motorists who use these roads every day," she added.

"Now that clear solutions have been identified, which are realistic and sensitive to the needs of the community, it is important the work starts as soon as possible."

MP for Finchley and Golders Green Rudi Vis also welcomed the news. He said: "This has been an important issue for residents over many years and this is a decisive step forward."

Thea Valman, of Bridge Lane, Finchley, has collected more than 1,000 signatures in support of her campaign for measures to make it easier for pedestrians crossing the junction, and improve access to Finchley Synagogue, in Kinloss Gardens.

She said: "People are frightened of crossing that road. People drive rather than walk a few yards.

"TfL showed us some good plans and I think it has done very well, and now it is just up to Barnet Council to approve them."

The junction is the joint responsibility of TfL and the London borough of Barnet, and discussions between both parties have begun.

A council spokeswoman said: "Council officers have met with TfL and we are aware it is in the early stages of developing proposals for Henlys Corner.

"The council is keen for improvements to be made at the junction, but it is important that any improvements do not increase congestion, nor preclude any future scheme which would address the whole range of problems, including accidents, which exist at the junction."

But Barnet councillor Brian Coleman, deputy chairman of the London Assembly, said: "It is sheer bloody mindedness and won't benefit residents, motorists or anyone else, I can't work out what the improvements are.

"They haven't published these proposals. It is a deliberate move to assist the Labour political campaign and TfL is doing this for political reasons."

He added: "I want a proper sustainable investment that will solve this problem once and for all."