The barriers in Parkway were pushed back to allow traffic through 

• THANK you for reporting on the traffic chaos caused by the unilateral closure of one of the two lanes on Parkway in early July, and for shining a light on the lack of consultation, (Did traffic rebels remove pavement-widening barriers? July 17).

This reconfiguration led to cars being backed up all the way to Gloucester Gate in Regent’s Park and overflowing into neighbouring residential roads such as Arlington Road and Gloucester Avenue.

Your reports, along with a residents’ campaign that has included a survey of the local community, no doubt influenced Transport for London’s decision to remove the barricades last Sunday.

As you reported, that stretch of pavement already is about 4 metres wide and it is not an area where pedestrians congregate, so the supposed “justification” by the need to social distance made no sense.

Had Camden and TfL consulted businesses and residents, it is likely they would have been informed there was little demand for more pavement there, but grave concerns about congestion.

They could have just read the May 21 CNJ, when Helen Chapman asked, “Will traffic-free plan drive cars to residential streets?” It did.

The decision on Parkway is just one of many which are being undertaken without consulting residents.

You have reported on residents upset at the lack of consultation about the proposed suspension of parking bays on Regent’s Park Road in Primrose Hill, changes to traffic in Highgate, the narrowing of Euston Road’s roadway, a battle over Prince of Wales Road, and much more.

I hope that the removal of the barricades on Parkway marks a turning point and that in the future Camden and TfL will consult in advance and fully consider views and suggestions before implementing changes that can have a disastrous impact on people’s lives.

DENISE HOLLE,
NW1