Holloway Road closure: HGV ban and bus changes to ease congestion

Islington Council has won further concessions from Transport for London (TfL) – including a ban on HGVs on Tufnell Park Road – to relieve traffic congestion caused by TfL’s unplanned closure of Holloway Road.

A weight restriction came into force on Friday night banning all large vehicles over 7.5 tonnes – except buses – from using Tufnell Park Road as part of the diversion route while TfL’s bridge replacement work in Holloway Road continues.

Traffic was brought to a standstill last week when police had to close the road after a collision between a lorry and a bus.

TfL has also agreed in principle not to run empty buses along this residential road, which have contributed to the tailbacks during the first week of the diversion.

The problem emerged as passengers in both directions avoided the services while the buses crawled along the diversion route.

TfL has said some bus routes may stop short of their destinations during the diversion period, if they usually start or end their journeys nearby.

As well as tackling congestion locally, these important measures will reduce the level of diesel engine emissions along Tufnell Park Road – a particular concern for families and other residents since the short-notice work began on October 21.

Cllr Claudia Webbe, executive member for environment and transport, said: “It was shocking to see the scale of failure this past week as huge diesel lorries and vans made their way gingerly down Tufnell Park Road. It was an accident waiting to happen – and so it proved.

“Nonetheless, we have been working hard behind the scenes with TfL to ensure as far as possible that the chaos of the last week will not be repeated at any point during these hugely disruptive works.

“Alongside other concessions, the ban on HGVs will help reduce the burden of taking all the traffic from the A1 on this single residential road. We will continue to keep up the pressure on TfL in the hope this will minimise the pain on behalf of local residents and businesses.”

Other key concessions by TfL, in addition to those secured by Islington Council last week, include greater publicity for a shuttle bus laid on for the section of Holloway Road ‘cut off’ by the diversion, which is helping anyone with a disability or mobility issues, and parents with prams, get around.

Local businesses left struggling by the fall in passing trade will also be offered an olive branch with TfL considering leafletting residents or advertising locally that they all remain open while the works are ongoing.

The authority has also agreed to station mobile CCTV units along Tufnell Park Road so it can accurately monitor traffic levels and congestion in real time.

A public meeting has also been arranged for local residents affected by the closure and diversions, chaired by Cllr Gill. Senior staff from TfL and Islington Council have confirmed their attendance. It takes place at 8pm on Wednesday, November 2, at St George’s and All Saints Church, Crayford Road, N7.