The results of the public consultation showed support for the overall West End Project proposals as well as for most elements of the project including proposals for Tottenham Court Road, Gower Street and New Oxford Street, the plaza at St Giles Circus, the new public space at Princes Circus and the new park at Alfred Place.
Two aspects of the project were not supported by the majority of respondents; the proposed loading hours on Tottenham Court Road and restricting taxi access on Tottenham Court Road.
The proposals for consultation included making Tottenham Court Road bus and cycle only, for 40% of its length, 8am – 7pm, Monday to Saturday. East-west routes would still be permitted. The proposals restricted general traffic, including taxis, from entering sections of Tottenham Court Road during these hours. Allowing taxis to use the full length of Tottenham Court Road, as well as buses and cycles, was not recommended as this would increase the volume of traffic on Tottenham Court Road by up to 24% compared to restricting them, increase levels of pollution and road danger and would therefore worsen conditions for walking and cycling and reduce journey time benefits for buses.
In January 2015, the Council’s Cabinet agreed to implement the West End Project proposals including restricting taxis on Tottenham Court Road, but with a number of amendments, such as loading hours in the area, in response to comments received during the consultation:
Due to the scale of the project, it will be delivered in phases and completed in 2018 in time for the opening of Crossrail. The scheme would be reviewed one year after implementation.
The West End Project will transform the Tottenham Court Road area, making it safer and more attractive for residents, boosting business and creating new public spaces. There will be a big increase in people coming to the area with the opening of the Tottenham Court Road Crossrail station in 2018, and we need to make sure that the area is safe and welcoming. The one-way system will be replaced with two-way tree-lined streets, some protected cycle lanes and new public space. The scheme will reduce congestion and pollution, widen pavements and make bus journeys quicker. We have secured £26 million of investment to improve Camden's West End. The improvements will unlock the area's potential, boosting business and creating new public spaces for the community and visitors to enjoy. The project will be delivered by 2018 in time for the opening of Crossrail, when Tottenham Court Road station will be busier than Heathrow Airport.
This is your opportunity to comment on the Council's proposals for transforming the Tottenham Court Road area. Visit the West End Project website for find out more about the proposals and complete the survey. The consultation closes on 1 August 2014.
Please provide your postal address in order for us to be able to consider your views. We are only able to accept ONE reply per household, business or organisation.
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