Liberal Democrats have met with Transport for London (TfL) to address concerns of local residents in Highgate who use the pedestrian crossing on the Shepherds Hill junction with Archway Road, N6.

The meeting and site visit was attended by Lib Dem councillors Lynne Featherstone (Muswell Hill) and Bob Hare (Highgate) with TfL representatives.

The site visit was arranged after Lib Dem councillors received numerous complaints from local residents who expressed concern at the length of time that the crossing allows for pedestrians to cross. There has also been irritation expressed at selfish drivers blocking the crossing by stopping in the yellow box at the junction.

In the meeting TfL admitted that the junction was ‘sub standard’ in several ways and assured the group that improvements would be made to the crossing and surrounding area, these include:

* Rotating press-button cones for the visually impaired to be made to work again after a long period of malfunctioning
* Upgrading the crossing to the modern standards which will add extra time to all green pedestrian phases
* Considering upgrading of current camera so it can be used to fine those who stop in the yellow box at the junction and block the crossing – a new legal power to do this has just been introduced

TfL is hopeful that some of these improvements such as the crossing modifications will be installed by May this year while other improvements such as the camera installation, are likely to be made near the end of 2004.

The Lib Dems are very pleased with the assurances that TfL has made.

Environment Spokesperson councillor, Bob Hare (Highgate) comments:

“I am pleased that we have had such a constructive site visit with TfL and the improvements that they have agreed will make a significant difference to the local residents who use the crossing regularly.”

Lynne Featherstone (Muswell Hill) adds:

“I am delighted that action is being taken. I regularly use the crossing and share these concerns. We will certainly be paying close attention to ensure that many of these improvements happen sooner rather than later.”