Resident revolt leads to Tower Hamlets Council backing down over Tredegar Road bus-gate

Tower Hamlets Council have been forced to back down over the closure of Tredegar Road to all traffic except buses as part of the Liveable Streets project.

Angry residents berated the council over what has been considered by some residents and business owners as an "ill-conceived" plan.

Taxi drivers, including ITA spokesperson Sean Paul Day, were in attendance and lambasted the council over the decision to shut off the road to traffic.

As a result of the local residents, cabbies and local businesses actions, Tower Hamlets took to facebook to say: "We've listened to the feedback from the first day of the Bow trial and have decided not to go ahead with planned road closures on Tredegar Road, Antill Road and Coborn Road tomorrow.

"We will release an update on any planned closures for the next week in due course."

Many people took to Facebook praising the decision.

Lorraine Coates said on Facebook: "Well done, you listened to the people for once. Good luck there wasn't a serious incident today, no one could move which caused more pollution and congestion than on a normal day. It put lives at risk, please spend the monies on more serious issues in the borough."

Denise Lawrence said: "Thank goodness for that!!! Caused chaos for us today."

Gavin Drake added: "Please do not continue with this trial, it's caused considerable consternation in our community."

However Hasan Mec said on Facebook: "Really sad, thought it was a good idea."

Footage on Twitter showed that part of the area became gridlocked after a number of buses became jammed due to the scheme.

TaxiPoint reported on 12 July, that in a move which could cause potential chaos in the Bow area, the Liveable Streets project was set to begin.

Road closures and vehicle restrictions on a number of streets in the Roman Road area were to be trialled for 8 an day period, from Saturday 13 July until Sunday 21 July, coinciding with school holidays.

The chaos which has ensued on day one now means Tower Hamlets Council may have to have a serious rethink of their plans.

Image Source: Google Maps (remixed)