Everyone knows the A1 as a busy, polluted and congested traffic artery. Heavy traffic and street railings make it difficult for people to move freely and safely while the main shopping areas at the Angel, Nag’s Head and Archway could be more effectively linked up.Islington council will shortly be consulting on ambitious ideas to improve this central corridor and link up both sides of the street. The plans are based on the aim of making the A1 a cleaner, safer, greener and more accessible street – particularly for pedestrians.On 10 March, the council’s executive will consider the draft consultation – a document setting out the council’s vision for the A1 and how it hopes to improve the corridor in the coming years.Subject to approval of the draft, the public consultation will be launched in June.People will be able to give their views on ideas such as the creation of new and improved public spaces at Archway, Whittington Park, Nag’s Head, Holloway Road, Highbury Corner, the Angel, and Goswell Road. The consultation document looks at how the street can be improved for pedestrians along its entire length, and how it can be made easier to cross the road.The consultation also asks people to think about ways of using services such as education, technology, health and business, to make a positive difference to the area. Other ideas include working with local arts and sports groups to make for a more lively and interesting place.Over the next decade or so, the area will see massive investment by both the public and private sectors. This consultation is part of a continuing dialogue between the council and local people about the future of their main street. It is hoped this dialogue will lead to an agreed framework, setting the scene for the next ten to fifteen years. Councillor Bridget Fox, Executive Member for Sustainability said: “Local people have told us they want cleaner, safer and more welcoming streets. Transforming the A1 from being just a busy traffic route to a place that local people are really proud of will be an enormous task. This is a big challenge - we need bold and ambitious ideas and these will only succeed if our partners and local people are involved every step of the way. We want to make Islington truly an A1 borough for everyone - we're really looking forward to hear what people have to say about the proposals and hope residents and visitors of all ages will take this opportunity to get involved.”Transport for London, the highway and traffic authority responsible for most of the Islington stretch of the A1, supports moves to improve the area.Dana Skelley, TfL’s Chief Engineer for the North Central Area, said: "As part of the Transport for London Road Network, the A1 is one of London's most vital transport links, not only as a major gateway to the centre of the Capital but also as a hugely significant route into Islington. TfL is concerned not only with managing the traffic on the A1 but with ensuring that the layout and appearance of the surrounding environment accommodates the needs of all road users, not just drivers passing through but also local people, whether pedestrians, cyclists, bus passengers or motorists."Ends
Page Last Updated: 29 July 2008