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Fitzrovia bus troubles
• PEOPLE are disappointed the New Journal has not deemed Transport for London’s proposal (Councillor Penny Abraham’s letter October 29) to divert 800 buses a day for 10 months into the streets of Fitzrovia newsworthy.
Having last June categorically denied the proposition was being considered TfL subsequently refused public consultation on the grounds that there is no alternative.
The alternative rejected by them is to operate the shuttle system where one line of traffic moves at a time. TfL say the resulting eastward tailback is unacceptable. Readers may be surprised TfL are worried by the tailback since they accept daily gridlock west of Oxford Circus.
At a meeting convened by Frank Dobson various options were put forward, diverting only non-bus traffic and reducing the number of buses by terminating some routes at Oxford Circus and St Giles Circus, another involved carrying out the services replacement in shorter lengths or a combination of the two.
TfL claimed these had been modelled and didn’t work. However, to date they have not provided evidence to support their assertion. The real problem is the arrogance of TfL and the apparent lack of political control. The proposed diversion of buses into Newman/ Goodge streets is not only immensely harmful to the health and amenity of the thousands who live or work there. It is also not a solution for bus users since it will create gridlock for much of the day.
TfL must be forced to find the permutation that keeps the buses in Oxford Street by use of the shuttle.
Max Neufeld
Charlotte Street
Association, W1
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