Residents demand end to noise and fumes (Islington Liberal Democrats)

Islington Liberal Democrats <Islington_ld@cix.co.uk>

Residents demand end to noise and fumes

February 23, 2009 10:25 AM

Cllrs Emily Fieran-Reed and Terry Stacy, with Bridget Fox and residents of Dixon Clark Court.

Liberal Democrats Emily Fieran-Reed, Terry Stacy, and Bridget Fox join local residents at Highbury Corner

Residents at Highbury Corner fed up with fumes and noise from nearby buses are taking their fight to London Mayor Boris Johnson.

Dixon Clark Court residents have suffered ever since Transport for London put a bus stand outside their homes. The 277 bus to Leamouth terminates at Highbury Corner and buses queue up before setting off again. The 277 is 24 hour service.

Drivers are under instruction to turn their engines off while they are parked on the stand. But residents have complained that this rarely happens which means extra unwelcome noise and engine fumes from the buses. Residents have now sent a petition to Leader of Islington Council, James Kempton.

The Council is taking its own action against bus drivers who flout the rules and will issue them with fixed penalty notices to make sure they comply. But the main responsibility lies with Transport for London and Liberal Democrats have tabled a question to the Mayor asking him to sort out his drivers.

Local Liberal Democrat councillor for St.Mary's ward, Emily Fieran-Reed, said:

"Residents in Dixon Clark Court are suffering at the hands of a few selfish bus drivers. They know the rules but still choose deliberately to disturb residents. It's just not on.

"Apart from the noise and fumes, there are real issues about air pollution with these buses standing there all day long revving their engines needlessly."

She was joined by Liberal Democrat Public Protection Chief, Terry Stacy, who said:

"Sadly this is an issue at several locations across Islington including Newington Green.

"The Council has listened to residents' concerns and is now taking firm action against bus companies. But we need help from the bus drivers' boss - the Mayor. I hope he will now take action to end this nightmare for residents."