The road to 2012

Published: July 28, 2011

STEPHEN Miller’s views about the new Russell Square traffic lay-out causing an incredibly dangerous situation for cyclists turning right from the east side of the square into the south side is true (Letters, July 21).

But that is only a small part of the story.

The new “open-plan” four-lane road on the east side looks and feels like a much faster road than previously; the whole of it is very much more dangerous and intimidating for both cyclists and pedestrians.

Current policy is supposed to be to calm and slow down motor traffic, for the sake of more vulnerable road users. So why has the opposite happened here?

Why are there no longer any traffic islands? This is especially dangerous given the very short “green man” phase for crossing the new four-lane highway, which is completely inadequate for any but the speediest pedestrians.

Also there is now no bus stop on or near the square for Euston-bound buses; and the bus lane hasn’t been reinstated. this hinders buses as well as providing less protection for cyclists.

And the bizarre new signal timing pattern at the junction with Guilford Street means pedestrians trying to cross there are shown a “red man” for most of the time the Guilford Street traffic is stationary at red lights.

But perhaps there is an explanation for these mysteries after all. The main changes to the roads at Russell Square are not being made for the benefit of people using them every day, least of all for the most vulnerable of us on foot or on bikes. As some of the Olympic officials have boasted to me, the new design of Russell Square is as demanded by them, ready for when they take it over and throw the rest of us out for weeks next year.
Albert Beale
Little Russell Street, WC1