• BRAG, Bloomsbury Residents’ Action Group, welcomes the findings of the public inquiry into the Tavistock and Torrington Experimental Traffic Order – the independent inspector’s report recommends reversing the direction of traffic flow on Tavistock and Torrington Place from eastbound to westbound.

At our recent committee meeting we agreed that the outcome was measured and fair. Although BRAG’s preference at the inquiry was for a return to two-way traffic and two separate cycle lanes, we fully support the recommended westbound solution. It keeps the trial’s advantages for cyclists (many BRAG members cycle) while recognising the trial’s negative effects on congestion and air quality around the corridor.

The reversal of traffic flow will help elderly and infirm residents who are reliant on vehicle transport to move around the neighbourhood more easily. It also provides University College Hospital patients, staff, and visitors with an alternative westbound route to that part of the Euston Road.

BRAG welcomes Cllr Adam Harrison to his role as cabinet member for improving Camden’s environment (including transport policy). There are still details to be consulted on, about lane segregation and drop-off / unloading arrangements along the corridor.

We look forward to engaging constructively with Cllr Harrison and his colleagues to implement the findings of the inspector’s report and to resolve issues which were outside the scope of the inquiry.

We are grateful to the Inspector, Martin Elliott, and all those who took part in the inquiry, for giving us the most comprehensive analysis possible of a complex issue. We hope all parties will now support the recommendation.

BOB McINTYRE
BRAG