TfL scheme aims to reduce dangers of ultra-busy Holland Park roundabout
By Ben Lynch, Local Democracy Reporter
Changes proposed for one of London’s most dangerous roundabouts have been praised as necessary to improve safety, although critics have warned about potential impacts on congestion and air pollution.
Transport for London (TfL) is currently consulting on proposals to rework parts of Holland Park roundabout, including a new protected cycle lane and dedicated traffic lights.
TfL says the roundabout is a “high priority location for safety improvements” under Mayor Sadiq Khan’s Safer Junction programme.
Data shows 59 people, including 14 cyclists and pedestrians, were injured in collisions in the three years to May 2023, six of them seriously.
If implemented, the changes will connect with Cycleway 34 across Shepherd’s Bush Green to Wood Lane in neighbouring Hammersmith and Fulham, and Cycleway 39 to Kensington High Street.
Felicity Buchan, the Tory MP for Kensington, has however begun a petition opposing the scheme. She has warned it would worsen congestion in areas including Holland Park Avenue and Shepherd’s Bush Green, lead to higher air pollution, and adversely impact businesses due to heavier traffic.
“I support cycling safety, but this scheme is ill-conceived, causing congestion, pollution, and traffic displacement to residential side streets,” Ms Buchan said.
But passing cyclist Richard Hoffman, 29, said he was ‘in-favour’ of the new cycle lane being introduced, but adding that he would remain wary of drivers’ behaviour.
“I don’t trust the driving most of the time,” he said. “I know it wouldn’t affect traffic that much. It’s more how the cars will follow the lanes.”
Winner Silvestre, 26, who works in Shepherd’s Bush and crosses the roundabout regularly, said she sticks to walking due to being concerned about her safety if she was to cycle.
“It’s really difficult and dangerous,” she said. “It’s dangerous because there’s no signs for cycling, so I have to follow the pedestrians.”
Ms Silvestre added she believed a new cycle lane would impact traffic, “but it would be in a good way. You need to respect other ones that use the road.”
Will Norman, the Walking and Cycling Commissioner, said the works would improve bus journey times “without any significant impacts on general traffic”.
Pictured top: Cyclist Richard Hoffman, who says he welcomes the proposals but will remain wary (Picture: LDRS)