Camden Council recently announced it will replace all parking on Haverstock Hill with cycle lanes, despite 69% of local residents and 78% of businesses telling Camden’s own consultation they oppose the proposal!
Camden’s (Labour) leadership tried to introduce the lanes last year without consulting residents. Camden demanded we keep it secret, but we let local residents know, as you have a right to know.
Camden was forced to consult you by Conservative councillors and a legal challenge we backed. Camden withdrew the plan when it became clear they’d lose in the High Court - and were forced to change policy and give you a say in future.
In Camden’s consultation in March, residents opposed the scheme by 2.5 to 1. Sadly, Camden is ignoring your views and is pushing the £541,600 scheme through under emergency powers it gave itself last spring.
Belsize councillor Steve Adams is a keen cyclist, yet opposed the scheme because it would hurt pedestrians, motorists, bus users, and taxi users, while not greatly benefiting cycling. He tabled an alternative, but Camden told him they weren’t interested.
Camden claimed the Prince of Wales Road cycle lane would increase cycling by 900% - but cycling on the road increased by just 15%! A cycle lane up a steep incline like Haverstock Hill won’t do any better.
We will keep trying to stop Camden’s decision to ignore your views. If that doesn’t succeed, works will commence in October.
Residents must be at the heart of any changes, especially as big as this. This has always been our approach as local Conservative councillors, and we will keep fighting to stop Camden ignoring you.
Cllr Steve Adams Conservative councillor,
Belsize [email protected]
Cllr Oliver Cooper Conservative councillor,
Hampstead Town Leader of the Opposition, Camden Council
