BISHOPSGATE: Controversial road scheme could become PERMANENT as TfL launches consultation

Transport for London (TfL) has launched a six-month public consultation into the future of the controversial walking and cycling scheme on the A10 Bishopsgate.

TfL say new data suggests the scheme has led to an improvement in bus journey times and is supporting thousands of safer cycle journeys each day.

In August 2020, TfL introduced a series of temporary changes along the road as a response to the pandemic, which were designed to make it safer and easier for people to walk, cycle and use public transport. The changes implemented included new restrictions on vehicles at peak travel times on weekdays between 7am and 7pm.

Wider footways were also constructed along the corridor to ensure social distancing and a number of banned turns were introduced along the road.

The changes were heavily opposed by the licensed taxi industry as access through Bishopsgate at peak times diminished. It was argued that wheelchair users and other disabled passengers were now forced to take longer and more expensive routes around the Bishopsgate bus gates. The action resulted in a Judicial Review of the plans.

Despite initially winning the case, the Court of Appeal overturned the decision ruling in TfL’s favour in the summer 2021.

Since the Bishopsgate scheme was introduced the number of people travelling in central London has dropped significantly due to coronavirus lockdowns and the advice to work from home.

TfL say their data during this period shows that the performance of buses on the Bishopsgate corridor has significantly improved since the changes were introduced. Northbound bus journey times along Bishopsgate are 38 per cent lower now than they were before the pandemic, with southbound journey times 26 per cent lower.

In December 2021, TfL decided to retain the scheme with a new 'Experimental Traffic Order', which could last for an 18-month period. The consultation, which runs until 25 July, will supplement TfL's monitoring of the experimental scheme and help TfL to decide what the future of the Bishopsgate scheme should be beyond its 18-month experimental period.

Will Norman, London's Walking and Cycling Commissioner said: "These changes have made a huge difference to the way people travel along Bishopsgate. It has become safer and more comfortable for both pedestrians and cyclists, and bus journey times have also reduced thanks to the new vehicle restrictions on the road. As we aim to get more Londoners walking, cycling and using public transport, schemes like this are vital to ensure that people feel safe enough to do so. We want to hear what others think of this scheme, so please do have your say."

Sam Monck, TfL's Head of Healthy Streets Investment, said: "Ensuring that people can walk, cycle and use public transport will continue to be vital as the capital recovers from the pandemic. Our data suggests that the changes we've made along Bishopsgate are playing an important role in promoting healthy and sustainable ways of travelling in London and feedback from Londoners will be hugely valuable as we assess the next steps for the scheme. I'd encourage everybody to have their say during the six month consultation period."