• I WRITE as a pedestrian and daily user of public transport, buses and tubes.

It is well known that Camden Council’s so-called consultations are ignored if the results go against what the council want to implement, for example, the hated cycle lanes on Haverstock Hill, which are far too wide, around four feet, and which could easily be reduced in width to help traffic flow, particularly double-decker buses which have difficulty in passing.

This is apart from the financial effect to traders whose potential customers cannot park.

The latest sick joke is a request from the council in notices on various roadside posts to let them have our views on the “improvements” in the area. Apart from one zebra crossing, the current situation is a traffic disaster.

Temporary traffic lights at the crossroads of Pond Street and Haverstock Hill were installed to assist when pavement works blocked traffic flows, but these have long since finished, yet the lights are still there with only one road at a time having a green phase, with the result that tailbacks stretch way back up to Pilgrims Lane, along Lyndhurst Road and down to South End Green.

The result is that frustrated drivers seek alternatives such as Heath Hurst Road, Keats Grove, and the like. The tailbacks delay buses and cause exhaust-fume pollution.

In addition the southbound bus stop outside the George pub has been closed for weeks, supposedly because of gas company works adjacent; but these do not block either the bus shelter or the road in front of it. Yet signs and traffic cones are placed so that buses cannot pull in to the stop.

This is not only inconvenient and unnecessary but it means that patients and visitors to the Royal Free Hospital have to alight way back at Pilgrims Lane or Belsize Park tube station with a consequent long walk to the hospital.

For the disabled and elderly this is particularly unfair, yet there is no provision for a temporary bus stop. In fact the stop could easily be accessible if the cones and barriers were removed.

There are also more cones restricting traffic movement close by plus others placed for no apparent reason in the middle of the road.

There is no indication of who is responsible or when it will finish and Transport for London have denied all responsibility saying they are Camden’s roads; but don’t seem to be interested about delays to their buses.

The final irony is that two different email addresses quoted to give Camden one’s views both refuse to accept messages. Who is responsible for this mess and when are they going to sort it?

JOHN STRATTON
Thurlow Road, NW3