Better Archway Forum calls for roundabout removal

Islington Council has recently finished a consultation on improvements to the island in the middle of Archway's roundabout, as a medium-term soluttion to an unloved public area. People living in the Archway and Lower Highgate areas were asked to choose between three proposals for landcaping and planting Archway Close and Flowers Mews, and the results of that survey will be published shortly.

However, the Better Archway Forum says the proposals currently on the table are not far-ranging enough, and the area would be better served by the removal of the gyratory system altogether. The existing roundabout, planned and built in the 1960s, means that pedestrians have to cross three busy roads to reach Archway Close, and increasing traffic levels mean the one-way system is often jammed and air quality is consequently poor.

Removing the gyratory has been one of BAF's priorities since its foundation in 2005, as it is felt this would improve traffic flow, pedestrian safety, air quality and the general look and feel of the area. The group would prefer to use Lower Highgate Hill for

both north and southbound buses with all stops and the station close

together. "Prioritising pedestrians around the centre of Archway would make it much more attractive for the majority of users," says BAF chair Kate Calvert.

£2million has been earmarked by Islington Council to improve and regenerate the centre of Archway over the next 2-3 years, and improvements to the A1 gyratory will be a key part of these developments. Better Archway Forum members are concerned, however, that money will be spent on cosmetic upgrades instead of solving the underlying issues with the traffic system.

Islington Council are looking into a longer-term solution for the gyratory problem. "The council continues to be committed to removing the Archway roundabout

in the longer term," says a spokesperson. "We are pursuing all opportunities to secure the

funding to remove the roundabout." In the meantime, the centre of the roundabout will be renovated and replanted, and the council is working with TfL on ways to improve pedestrian access across the road system.

Archway Close was originally the heart of the area, but is now cut off from the surrounding streets by three busy roads and a one-way system. It is hoped the latest improvements will go some way to restoring the street as Archway's main public space.

What do you think would most improve Archway centre? Let us know below!