A new bus lane proposed for Friern Barnet would be a nightmare for pedestrians, bus passengers and motorists, according to environmental campaigners.
Work in Colney Hatch Lane was expected to start on the Government-funded £117,000 project this month to improve the 43 and 134 bus routes which run through Friern Barnet and North Finchley. If it gets the go ahead, bus lanes will run in both directions over the North Circular, with waiting restrictions between Tesco and the ambulance station, and a northbound bus lane will run between Asher Loftus Way and the Hillside Avenue bus stop.
But the scheme may now be shelved after Barnet Council came under fire for its poor design and for not adequately consulting residents living near the affected area.
Friern Barnet environmental campaigner Dr Oliver Natelson said: "Barnet Council wants to turn Colney Hatch Lane into a motorway, by taking all the cars off the pavement. There was no public consultation. If there was, no-one I know knew anything about it."
Cabinet member for the environment, Councillor Geof Cooke said a consultation was carried out in September this year.
"The results of the questionnaire will be reported back to councillors who will then make a final decision on whether to go ahead with the scheme as planned, an amended scheme or drop the scheme completely," he said.
A decision on the scheme is expected from the council within the next month.
October 10, 2001 18:50
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