Published: 22 June, 2012
by HANNAH WATSON

A SURVEY has found that many cyclists are opposed to a controversial new width-restriction road layout at Drayton Park in Highbury.

Islington Cyclists Action Group (ICAG) and Islington Living Streets quizzed 178 people, almost all of whom agreed that the changes present a danger.

They were brought in to stop drivers using the street as a rat-run between Holloway Road and Blackstock Road in order to avoid Highbury roundabout.

But cyclists and pedestrians say the new layout is a danger as it does not leave them enough space.

Islington’s Liberal Democrats have added their voice to the calls for change, arguing that there have already been accidents, including a car flipping over.

Jono Kenyon, of the Islington Cyclists’ Action Group, said: “Traffic is significant in Drayton Park in rush-hour, with pedestrians, cyclists and drivers competing for space.

“We witnessed several lorries perform U-turns, adding significantly to the risks faced by people walking and cycling. We also heard countless stories of scary near-misses.

“This unpopular design must be amended.”

And Caroline Russell, of Islington Living Streets, added: “The council have committed to revisit the plans, we hope they will listen to these residents and change the design.”