| Topic: | Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Re:Reply | |
| Posted by: | Michael Robinson | |
| Date/Time: | 24/01/20 13:28:00 |
| The Overground service increased from 4 to 5 trains per hour (in each direction) last month so it isn't surprising if the queues at the level crossing have increased. If (and it is a big if...) the West London Orbital Rail project goes ahead then the north level crossing on Bollo Lane will also have 4 or 5 trains per hour in each direction so Bollo Lane won't be a viable route for most surface traffic. Project documentation mentions closing the level crossings completely and putting in a pedestrian/cycle bridge. If that happens then the N-S route for motor traffic will be Gunnersbury Lane and the N Circular. A foot/cycle bridge, perhaps also linking with the new development is likely to be easier and cheaper than the alternative of creating a route through the business park. Yes, going via Gunnersbury Lane and the N Circular will be a detour but there is no reason why motor traffic always needs to take the shortest path. On your point about "this [driving] this isn't feasible when there are considerably more people.", the thing is the numbers of people driving in London has reduced at the same time as the population of London has increased so the two aren't inextricably linked. I do take your point mentioned previously that the numbers of people driving aren't necessarily linked to congestion as one way that the numbers driving has been reduced has been through reduction of road space for general traffic from bus lanes and other measures. Regarding your belief that opening up a new road won't lead to new journeys - that has failed time and time again. The UK is littered with bypasses that haven't succeeded stopping people using the original route. The city of Ghent has recently implemented a "circulation plan" which in effect, forces motor traffic to detour along arterial roads ( the equivalent of the N Circular and Gunnersbury Lane) and not just the shortest route. It seems to be successful. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jan/20/the-streets-are-more-alive-ghent-readers-on-a-car-free-city-centre |