FOI request detail

Changes to junction

Request ID: FOI-1148-2425
Date published: 18 July 2024

You asked

I am writing to you as a regular cyclist who frequently travels along Holloway Road, particularly through the junction with Liverpool Road. I have observed that recent changes to this junction have led to the removal of a dedicated bus lane, and introduction of a right hand turn only lane, which has now been replaced with a lane for general vehicle traffic. This alteration has resulted in a noticeable increase in the number of cars that cut in front of cyclists, which is a cause for concern regarding the safety of cyclists like myself who use this route. Safety Concerns and Request for Evidence The safety of cyclists on London's roads is paramount, and I am sure that TfL shares this sentiment. With the removal of the bus lane, and introduction of the right hand turn only lane, which previously provided a safer space for cyclists, the new layout appears to have compromised the safety of cyclists by increasing the likelihood of conflict with motor vehicles. I am keen to understand the rationale behind this decision and would appreciate it if you could provide the following information: • The specific evidence or studies that were considered when deciding to revamp the junction in this manner . • How the decision aligns with TfL's commitment to improving cyclist safety as outlined in the "Cycling Action Plan 2." • The measures that are being taken to monitor the impact of these changes on cyclist safety and to mitigate any negative effects that have arisen since the implementation of the new layout. Cycling Action Plan 2 Alignment TfL's "Cycling Action Plan 2" outlines a vision for making cycling safer and more accessible across London. It is crucial that changes to road layouts and traffic management schemes are consistent with the objectives of this plan. As such, I am interested in understanding how the new junction layout fits within the broader strategy to enhance cycling infrastructure and protect cyclists from increased risks associated with vehicular traffic. Request for Further Action Given the concerns raised by myself and potentially other cyclists, I would like to request that TfL: • Conducts a thorough review of the impact of the new junction layout on cyclist safety. • Considers reinstating a dedicated space for cyclists if the review finds that the current layout has negatively affected cyclist safety. • Provides transparent communication regarding the findings of any such review and the steps that will be taken to address any identified issues. I believe that an open dialogue between TfL and the cycling community is essential in ensuring that London's roads remain safe for all users. I look forward to your response and to understanding more about the decision-making process that led to the changes at the junction of Holloway Road and Liverpool Road.

We answered

TfL Ref: FOI-1148-2425

 

Thank you for your request which we received on 21 June 2024, asking for information about changes to the layout of the junction of Holloway Road and Liverpool Road.

 

Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Environmental Information Regulations (EIRs) and our information access policy.  I can confirm that we hold the information you require. You specifically asked: 

 

I am keen to understand the rationale behind this decision and would appreciate it if you could provide the following information: • The specific evidence or studies that were considered when deciding to revamp the junction in this manner.

 

The recent changes made to Holloway Road, between the junction of Hornsey Road and Hornsey Street in the north and Ronalds Road in the south, were aimed at addressing identified road safety issues on this part of our road network. This junction formed part of TfL’s Safer Junction programme which sought to address road safety issues at 73 most dangerous junctions on the TfL network. The works also involved a number of other highway improvement measures, including resurfacing, notably to the south towards Highbury Corner. 

 

The principal changes included the introduction of new, green-figure signalised crossings on Palmer Place and Drayton Park where no such facility existed before; as well as changes to the crossing on Liverpool Road from a zebra to a full green-figure, signalised crossing and changes to the crossings at the Hornsey Street/Hornsey Road junction. A number of other changes, such as space for vehicles to wait when turning into side roads, were also introduced at the same time. In order to introduce the changes, it was necessary to move or remove certain elements of the highway, such as loading bays or stretches of bus lane.

 

The changes that have been made on Holloway Road arose from a collision study undertaken by TfL. This reviewed the collision data at the time and made recommendations for further work to address specific, identified issues and locations. The study gave rise to a specific project looking at making improvements to address road safety at and around the junctions of Palmer Place and Drayton Park; and Liverpool Road. As design work progressed, the scope of the project expanded to cover the Hornsey Road/Hornsey Street junction as changes to the crossing layout at this junction were identified as required to allow the introduction of the desired crossings further south. The proposed designs were modelled using computer software to understand their potential impact on the road network.

 

• How the decision aligns with TfL's commitment to improving cyclist safety as outlined in the "Cycling Action Plan 2." • The measures that are being taken to monitor the impact of these changes on cyclist safety and to mitigate any negative effects that have arisen since the implementation of the new layout. 

 

As such, I am interested in understanding how the new junction layout fits within the broader strategy to enhance cycling infrastructure and protect cyclists from increased risks associated with vehicular traffic. 

 

We undertook a public consultation on the proposed design between July and September 2019. There were 295 responses to this consultation and, following the feedback received, we made some minor changes to our proposals with a view to starting on site in the Summer of 2020. Following the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on TfL’s financial position, construction was delayed and started on site in Spring 2023. The consultation materials, including the rationale for the scheme’s introduction as well as our response to the main issues raised by the scheme, are available here: https://haveyoursay.tfl.gov.uk/11846/widgets/34103/documents/.

 

Following the completion of the main civil works, we have been undertaking snagging works as well as ‘optimising’ the traffic signals within the scheme area. This means that we will be linking them to a wider, computer-controlled signal system called SCOOT. The system can allow signals to change timings, within set parameters, if traffic starts to build up in the area and helps to keep congestion to a minimum. Once this has been done, and the initial impact of the introduction of the new road layout has settled, we will be reviewing signage and markings on the approach to Liverpool Road to see if any further changes are needed. The location of the loading bay to the north of Liverpool Road will be included in this review to understand if adjusting the position of the bay slightly to the north would benefit lane discipline in advance of this junction.

 

As with all our highways improvement schemes, the changes on Holloway Road will be closely monitored and compared with the previous design. In line with our standard procedure, a further road safety audit will be undertaken following the completion of works on site and any recommendations made in this audit will be considered and changes made accordingly.

 

Concurrent with the works on Holloway Road, we have also worked with the London Borough of Islington to develop and introduce improved cycle routes adjacent to the Holloway Road, the C38 cycleway along Drayton Park. It links with the existing cycle crossing across Holloway Road, between Fieldway Crescent and Madras Place and onwards to Angel town centre, via Liverpool Road. This route provides an alternative, quieter route. However, we do acknowledge that not all cyclists in the area will avoid using Holloway Road, which is trafficked with vehicles and is a key bus corridor. 

 

While the scheme works on Holloway Road have not introduced specific infrastructure for cyclists, we have introduced changes to the operations of the signals at the Palmer Place/Drayton Park junction that will see each side road be given a green light at separate times, so that crossing cyclists are not opposed by oncoming traffic. We have also made lining improvements to make the cycle crossing between Fieldway Crecent and Madras Place clearer to try to prevent drivers from waiting across it when traffic is heavy on Holloway Road. It is anticipated that the signal optimisation mentioned above will also help in this regard. 

 

Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed. 

 

Yours sincerely

 

Eva Hextall 

FOI Case Management Team

General Counsel

Transport for London

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