"Scrap Kew Bridge Bus Lane"

12.00.00am GMT Thu 31st Oct 2002

The Kew Councillors have called for the Kew Bridge bus lane to be scrapped after hearing a report at the formal liaison meeting between the Council and London Buses that indicates that for ½ to 1 hour every day in the rush hour the speed of buses has actually been reduced by the experimental lane.

Robert Woods of Transport for London made this disclosure when he addressed a packed meeting of councillors and council officers.

He also explained that the bus lane was experimental and was being reviewed. He made it clear that representations form local residents would still be considered even though the formal period of consultation had expired.

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr Serge Lourie said: "I am very much in favour of bus lanes where they speed up traffic."

"In this case there is an enormous disruption to local residents and at the peak hour buses actually go slower."

Said Cllr Tony Barnett: "This bus lane has been a disaster and was introduced rapidly in spite of warnings from the then three local Lib Dem councillors*."

"The ward councillors are united in calling on Transport for London to have the courage to get rid of this useless bus lane"

If you would like a quote from Cllr Jowit, his telephone number is 020 8392 1627.

*Jill Miller (Since retired), Tony Barnett and Serge Lourie.

If members of the public want to make representations they should write to Robert Woods North and West Sector Team Transport for London, Street Management Services, Faith Lawson House, 15 Dacre Street, London. SW1H 0NR

Or email RobWoods@streetmanagement.org.uk For further information, contact Cllr Serge Lourie on Home 020 8876 7367; mobile 07958 589589; office 020 7828 6288. Tony Barnett 07957 586296