London,
26
May
2011
|
23:00
Europe/London

Launch of new road scheme in Hoxton

A new road layout scheme was officially launched in Hoxton on Monday 16 May 2011.

The new priority cross roads junction scheme replaces the roundabout that was previously located at the junction of Pitfield Street and Hoxton Street with Whitmore Road. It is largely focused on reducing the risk of danger to cyclists, removing barriers to walking and cycling and enhancing the public space for the local community.

The changes to the junction received support in the public consultation that took place in July and August 2010, also from ward councillors and the London Cycling Campaign in Hackney (LCCiH). These have included the removal of the central roundabout; kerb lines being moved; and large open spaces being created on all corners where trees and the family group statue have been relocated.

Councillor Feryal Demirci, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, was joined by the De Beauvior ward councillors, Rob Chapman, Tom Ebbutt and Gulay Icoz, as well as Trevor Parsons and Oliver Schick from LCCiH, who arrived at the corner next to the Britannia Leisure Centre on their bikes for the launch of the new road scheme.

The event was organised by the Council’s Streetscene Team who, along with ‘Dr Bike’ mechanics and an officer from the Hoxton Safer Neighbourhood Team, were on hand to provide information and advice on cycling safety as well as cycle maintenance and routes.

The Cycle Training Team was also there to sign up all levels of cyclist for the free training available in Hackney that is aimed at teaching them to deal with any type of road or junction in the borough."

Cllr Demirci said: “We are committed to making roads in the borough safer for all users, and the new cross roads scheme has greatly improved this public space in Hoxton while removing barriers to walking and cycling. The changes have already received significant support from local residents and the London Cycling Campaign in Hackney, and I’m delighted to see the difference this has made to the look and feel of the area.”

Trevor Parsons, who lives in Hoxton and chairs the Hackney branch of the London Cycling Campaign, said: "Walking here is now a real pleasure, with direct crossings and loads more space. People are driving much more slowly and carefully, which greatly reduces the risk of serious injury, and the popular north-south cycle route to Shoreditch and the City now gets priority. I feel that the change has tipped the balance towards walking and cycling, and that can only be a good thing.”

Stephan Sappl, who has lived in the vicinity for 14 years and was one of 16 people to make a pit stop and visit ‘Dr Bike’ to get their cycles checked out during the event, welcomes the new road scheme. He said: “As a cyclist, motorist and a pedestrian I think the road layout is a vast improvement around here. I’m also pleased that the statue is back in the area.”

The Council will be monitoring the new junction for any changes to general traffic patterns and speed related behaviour in the area. An independent post-construction safety audit will also be completed after an appropriate period of adjustment has passed.

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