Report warns of danger to walkers on Parliament Hill

A report presented to the Hampstead Heath Consultative Committee warns of a serious accident risk if cars and trucks continue to use the Highgate Road entrance.

The Highgate Road entrance is a popular route onto the Heath for walkers and cyclists, and also a primary entrance point for vehicles to the Parliament Hill depot. "The link is currently very high risk as available width for the high volume of pedestrians to use the link is limited," says the report. "Should a vehicle enter the space, pedestrians and vehicles compete for a narrow width."

An alternative road for vehicles proposed ion 2009 was met with strong local opposition and the plans were dropped. "Nevertheless, the dangers arising from the use of the Highgate Road entrance for vehicles remain a matter of concern," says the City of London Corporation, who commissioned the current report.

The independent report, from transport monitoring company MVA Consultancy, was requested in order to assess the current level of risk to Heath users. "It defines the risks but does not provide the solutions to overcome them," adds the CLC, and ideas for a public consultation to be completed this year are now welcome.

The complete report can be viewed here, and we'll keep you posted about the consultation. What are your views on traffic on the Heath? Do vehicles need an alternative route to the Parliament Hill staff yard? Or should the area remain tarmac-free? Let us know below!