Cyclists warn against 'accident blackspot'

CYCLISTS are worried the creation of a one-way system around Camden Town Hall could result in an accident blackspot.

Transport for London (TtL) has recommended changes to roads to ensure traffic flows freely when the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (CTRL) opens at St Pancras next year.

The plans will see Judd Street become a one-way street southbound only. This will lead to traffic being diverted along Bidborough Street and Mabledon Place to get to Euston Road.

And members of the Camden Cycling Campaign (CCC) fear the changes will lead to rat-running and potential crashes on Mabledon Place which is currently only used southbound by cyclists.

Jean Dollimore, CCC co-ordinator, said: "Cyclists using Camden's main north-south route, which runs along Mabledon Place, will now have to contend with the hazards associated with rat-running traffic heading from Judd Street towards the left turn into Euston Road.

"This degradation of safety conditions for the most vulnerable road users is inexcusable, since the reason for it is to improve traffic circulation around the vast new gyratory being implemented around the King's Cross and St Pancras station complex."

A decision on the scheme will be made by Camden Council's environment team on March 21. Members of the 600-strong CCC intend to protest at the meeting.

Stefano Casalotti cycles from his home in Belsize Park to Grays Inn Road via King's Cross every day. The 43-year-old said: "One of the problems will be the left turn into Euston Road. It's supposed to support traffic flow but it's a really a bad design and I think it will be dangerous.

"We strongly believe this is not the council's doing. We suspect pressure is being put on by TtL."

Other changes in the area due when the CTRL opens next year include Midland Road being made one-way only southbound.

Ms Dollimore added: "It also seems strange that the road to Camden Town Hall will be one way only.

"There are a lot of people affected by this and we will make our feelings known at the meeting or! March 21."

A Camden Council spokeswoman said: "Midland Road becomes one-way from 2007 and right now it's proposed to make Judd Street one-way.

"Currently 55 per cent 'of people consulted are in favour of this but no decisions have been made. It will be before the executive on March 21."