Go-ahead given to Boris Johnson’s ‘Crossrail’ segregated cycle routes
May 6th, 2015
The board of Transport for London (TfL) approved the plans for two segregated routes crossing the heart of the capital in January and as a result the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association (LTDA) said it planned to seek a judicial review of the consultation process. Since then the LTDA have decided to drop the judicial review and have given their full backing to plans for the Bikes scheme.
The judicial review would have been welcomed by those businesses opposed to the project, the most high profile being the property firm, Canary Wharf Group, but the deadline to apply has recently passed and the reason given by the LTDA general secretary, Steve McNamara, for not proceeding was that:
“At the end of the day, does London need protected cycling? Yes it does.
“What we don’t want to do is issue a judicial review and all we achieve is delaying that by a year, and some cyclist gets killed in Parliament Square.
“I don’t want that. I don’t want blood on my hands.”
He told the Evening Standard that he had been “confident” that legal action would have been successful however it would have only delayed the £47 million project. By bringing about a judicial review, the TfL would have to revise its plans for the two routes – from the Westway to Tower Hill, and from King’s Cross to Elephant & Castle.
The aim of the TfL is that the ‘Crossrail’ project is carried in phases to try and minimise disruptions. Construction on the new cycle infrastructure is already under way on the Victoria. Work on Tower Hill, Lancaster Gate and Parliament Square will start later on this year.
If you have been involved in a road collision or know someone who has then call us now on 01625 506655 for an informal chat with one of our specialist solicitors. We are experts in accidents involving cyclists and can talk you through your potential compensation claim.