Pedestrians ‘reclaim’ Highbury roundabout from gridlocked motorists

Published: 28th January, 2011
by PETER GRUNER

PLANS to remove Highbury Corner roundabout have been given the green light a year after it was said there was no money for the scheme.

London Assembly Labour member Jennette Arnold revealed that the £2million Trafalgar Square-style pedestrianisation will go ahead in two years time, transforming the traffic-clogged gyratory layout. 

Transport for London has now set aside cash for the project.

The capital’s most gridlocked roundabout will be linked with Compton Terrace. 

Residents expressed caution over the news as plans to redevelop the roundabout have been on and off for 16 years.

Ms Arnold said: “We hope this will be the real thing. 

“Highbury roundabout has been a bottleneck for too many years. Traffic is regularly at a standstill, which means fumes for pedestrians.” 

She added that the traffic island is a haven of greenery but walkers did not have access to it. 

“We must reclaim it and stop traffic having everything their way,” she said.  

Lib Dem group leader Councillor Terry Stacy welcomed the news. His party had carried out a full consultation on the scheme before they were removed by Labour at the last election. 

“This will be an opportunity to create a pedestrian-friendly landmark space,” he said. 

“It fits in with plans to rebuild Highbury and Islington station.” 

Architect Harley Sherlock, who has been campaigning to get rid of the roundabout for more than 20 years, cautiously welcomed the proposals.

He added: “Most people agree roundabouts are a complete waste of time in urban areas. They take up a lot of space and if one exit is blocked with traffic – and Upper Street is often blocked – the whole thing grinds to a halt. 

“With traffic lights, if the road opposite is blocked, there’s always another option. 

“They can do away with the roundabout completely and just have a crossroad.” 

The original Highbury Corner was destroyed by a V1 rocket during the war, demolishing three homes.