Kew Bus Lane Decision

10.11.42am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 27th Jun 2003

Jenny Tonge MP welcomed a decision by TfL to suspend the Kew Bridge Bus Lane from September following meetings with Richmond Councillors and Council officials.

Jenny Tonge MP said: "I am delighted that TfL have finally recognised the need to suspend this bus lane in light of the overwhelming opposition to it from local residents.

This bus lane was supposed to have resulted in faster journeys for commuters, but instead exactly the opposite happened with buses often being caught up in long tail back along the Kew Road. Furthermore, local residents in Gloucester Road and surrounding streets have suffered as people have been using their roads as rat runs to avoid the congestion caused by the bus lane. I hope that the suspension of the bus lane will help to alleviate the problems."

Susan Kramer, local Liberal Democrat campaigner and a member of the Board of Transport for London said: "This was a victory for local protest backed by quiet diplomacy. TfL and Richmond Council hopefully now recognise that local people must be listened to. Kew residents want solutions to the bus and car chaos around Kew Bridge but they must be workable solutions that make sense for local people. Let's see real, open participation in the studies and new plans that are promised."

End

For more info contact Serena Hennessy on 020 8332 7919 or Andrew Pilkington on 020 8940 2994