Theresa Villiers has asked both Barnet Council and the Mayor of London to cancel their plans for new bus lanes on the A1000 in Barnet High Street (between Wood Street and Meadway) and in Whetstone High Road (between Ravensdale Avenue and St Margaret's Avenue).
She has written to the leader of the council, Barry Rawlings, and Mayor Khan stating: "I believe that these bus lanes will cause significant traffic congestion, and therefore harm air quality. I am also worried that they will inevitably involve the removal of all on-street parking in the routes affected. That is likely to harm high street businesses."
"As our town centres struggle with the big switch to online retail, I feel we should be trying to support them, not introducing measures that make it even more difficult for their customers to get to them."
"I'm not aware of any significant travel benefits for bus passengers that would be delivered by these measures. Many constituents have been in touch to tell me that they are against the bus lanes and do not want them introduced. I am therefore appealing to you to cancel these plans. There are many more worthwhile uses of the funding which is earmarked for bus lanes."
"At the very least, I hope the council will make a commitment to a thorough and extensive public consultation on the proposed new lanes. It is vital that residents and local businesses have their say. It will also be crucial that the council takes real notice of the consultation outcome."
Despite only going live a week or two ago, Theresa's petition against the proposed bus lanes has already exceeded 2000 signatures. Click here if you want to back the campaign!
Digital Imprint: Promoted by Theresa Villiers MP of 163 High Street, Barnet, EN5 5SU.