The battle between cyclists and taxi divers remains after the long-awaited results of the Tavistock Place cycle lane trial is left inconclusive.

Camden cyclists and Taxi drivers remain in disagreement over the future of one of Camden’s busiest roads. Tavistock Place runs east to west through the busiest commuter area in the borough, near Russel Square tube station. Since November 2015 it has been part of a trial to take cars off certain roads and test out cycle-only routes in the area. The trial changed Tavistock Place, between Judd Street and Gower Street, from a two-way to a one-way street, meaning that westbound traffic was diverted and has caused congestion on Guildford Street and Euston Road. Cyclists can go both ways but cars can only go east.

The result of the trial was due to be announced last night at Camden Council’s cabinet meeting, but has been postponed due to a public inquiry.

For taxi drivers in the area this is being seen as an opportunity to properly voice their opinions against the scheme. They have been the main source of resistance to the cycle lane being put in due to the diversion meaning travel time has risen by an average of fifteen minutes in the area. Quote from interview.

Taxi drivers were also keen to point out that the measures did not reduce air pollution but concentrated it more on the main Euston Road because of the traffic build up.

Camden Cycle however, a committee seeking the rights of cyclists in the area, has seen the trial as a huge success and want to make it permanent. Quote.

Tavistock Place has been changed from having one two-way cycle path to having two separate paths on either side of the road. As a result, cyclists in the area find travelling on the main road much safer.

The issue raised concern as Camden is ranked as the third highest London borough for the number of cyclists who live in the area, coming after Hackney and Islington; 7% of Camden’s residents cycle to work daily.

A public consultation on the issue received over 15,000 responses, the highest number Camden Council has ever seen. The results of this showed that 79% of people wanted the cycle lane to remain in place. It is expected that the trial will formally come to an end before summer 2017.

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