• THE trial run of the 168 bus stand on Fleet Road ended on November 2 and Camden Council are working on alternative, long-term, plans to move the bus stand from the slip road “without unduly impacting on Fleet Road”.

The investigation for a new solution is under way and will include changes to the three-way zebra crossings at the junction with the assessment expected to be completed early next year; followed by a consultation on the proposals.

As in 2005, when the 24 stand was temporarily relocated to Fleet Road, it again created chaos even with the lighter coronavirus traffic levels.

For a file of video recordings please email – saveourstreet@gmail.com – 168s running empty round the one-way system, stationary traffic on Fleet Road, delayed 168, 24, 46 and C11 buses and ambulances, passengers alighting dangerously onto the road, mopeds taking to the pavement, blocked hospital and M&S delivery vehicles, hooting of horns and arguments were a daily occurrence.

This made life intolerable for dozens of residences, including families with young children and those working from home, not just during a weekday but also evenings and weekends.

Objections came from Fleet Road, Byron Mews, and the rest of the one-way system including Agincourt and Cressy roads with a petition attracting over 325 signatures. F

leet Road Primary School also raised concerns, adding further congestion to the busiest road in the area runs counter to Camden’s school streets policy.

Transport for London buses made complaints to Camden about longer journey times resulting in more crowded buses and making social distancing for passengers harder.

After the bus stand was moved back to the slip road, Gospel Oak councillor Jenny Mulholland commented on Nextdoor: “I do hope that the streatery can be reinstated in the future – nonetheless I have become convinced that this would require another location for the bus stand than Fleet Road.

“Hopefully the council and TfL can look into alternative options for where the bus stand can be parked, and ultimately reach a ‘best of both worlds’ solution.”

Whether this will result in Cllr Oliver Cooper’s vision to move the 168 bus stand to the cobbled terminus with the 24 is unknown; but given the division and negative impact this is continuing to have on the whole community, could Camden please work with TfL to find a way, no doubt requiring some investment and reconfiguration, for the 168 and 24 to share the cobbled terminus, as there is clearly space for four buses?

We all want South End Green to be a pleasant environment and perhaps, with a bit of will, there is a solution. With that hope, season’s greetings from Save Our Street to all our neighbours.

ALAN PETTY & TAHIR NAWAZ
Save Our Street