Local Lib Dem councillors are calling for a proper dialogue between Haringey Council and Transport for London (TfL) over the controversial problem of traffic calming in the Muswell Hill area. The move follows months of stalemate between the two authorities, during which time Haringey has failed to take up TfL’s offer to fund up to £100,000 of traffic improvements.

The offer was made to help fund traffic calming measures in the area affected by the controversial Grosvenor Road barrier and Colney Hatch traffic lights, but TfL says Haringey has not taken it up.In a letter last week to Cllr Lynne Featherstone (Muswell Hill), TfL says:

“Derek Turner [TfL’s surface transport supremo] had previously indicated TfL’s wish to support Haringey Council (up to £100,000) in its funding of traffic calming measures associated with Grosvenor Road / Colney Hatch Lane subject to the Council making a case. We have received no such ‘case’ from Haringey and I have asked my Chief Engineer for our North and East Section, Godwin Fernandes, to contact council officers to establish the current position and seek to help.”

Lynne Featherstone comments:

“Here we have Haringey looking a gift horse in the mouth, and no firm action has been taken. Residents want some solutions and the money is available. I am happy to help witharranging a meeting to ensure that the right heads are knocked together so that things can move forward.”

Cllr Susan Oatway (Alexandra Ward) adds:

“Local residents have put in a huge amount of time and effort into helping the council get the plans right. We need TfL and Haringey to get together and sort this issue out.”