Lib Dems slam more gridlock chaos on Upper St and Holloway Road

12.00.00am GMT Tue 23rd Mar 2004

Islington Liberal Democrats have slammed the announcement from Transport for London that from tomorrow, Tuesday 24 February, severe traffic disruption on Holloway Road and Upper Street is expected for up to four weeks. The disruption will hit the same roads as suffered considerable traffic gridlock for several weeks late last year, as a result of works to traffic lights and burst water mains. The latest disruption is caused by unplanned work by French electricity firm EDF on a cable outside Holloway Road Tube station. EDF will be digging a large hole 3 metres deep in Holloway Road outside the Tube station. This will lead to the closure of two of the three northbound lanes. Holloway Road is one of London's busiest main roads (the A1) and the closure is expected to cause major traffic chaos leading back to Highbury Corner and down Upper Street. Councillor Terry Stacy, Lib Dem candidate for the GLA (North East London seat) said: "This unplanned work will cause yet more snarl ups on Holloway Road and Upper Street. "It is Transport for London's job to co-ordinate roadworks to minimise disruption. But for months now residents have suffered one traffic problem after another on Upper Street. Just when drivers and bus passengers were recovering from the severe disruption caused by Transport for London works last year, this further work will be a new kick in the teeth. "Holloway Road and Upper Street are the main roads into and out of Islington, so this work is likely to have a domino effect on roads across the whole borough and particularly on nearby residential roads. "I am pushing Transport for London to ensure this work is done as quickly as possible. But TfL should have ensured better plans in the first place. Of course maintenance needs to be done. But it is TfL's job to ensure they are properly planned in advance, co-ordinated with other works, and carried out at times which minimise disruption to residents and travellers. "Sadly this kind of last minute ad hoc rush is what we have come to expect from Transport for London under Labour Mayor Ken Livingstone."