Finally, work has begun to improve the junction between Pentonville Road and Penton Rise, a notorious accident blackspot. This work begins eight months after Lib Dem Councillor George Allan and Lib Dem Assembly member Caroline Pidgeon handed a petition to the Major of London last year calling for vital improvements to the roads around the King's Cross area, including Penton Rise.
Originally, work was due to begin in January 2009, but was delayed by TfL three times, causing growing frustration and growing Lib Dem pressure on the London Mayor to act. Since the last deadline set by TfL for April 2009 there have been a further three accidents. Lib Dem Parliamentary spokesperson Bridget Fox responded to these collisions stating: 'Boris talks a lot about safety, but what we need at Penton Rise is action!'
Speaking today Liberal Democrat Councillor Marisha Ray said:
'We're delighted that the work is finally taking place, we have been working for years to get this junction improved. It is a priority not only because of its accident record, but because of its proximity to local school and university buildings. And with another recent spell of accidents the arrival of the work men this week has not come a minute to soon.'
Liberal Democrat Councillor George Allan joined her saying:
'It has been eight months since the petition was first delivered to the Major's office and I'm pleased our consistent pressure will now lead to a safer junction. As a cyclist myself I realise the important of protecting all our road users, including cyclists, who are especially vulnerable at the present junction.'
Improvements to the junction include measures to protect vulnerable cyclists, such as an offside bus lane and a widened toucan crossing for less confident cyclists and pedestrians. Transport for London has stated that work should be completed by the end of August.