Camden are consulting on changes to Newton, Parker & Macklin Streets in the Holborn area. This would be another of the ‘STARter projects’ in advance of the wider Liveable Neighbourhood plans for the area.
The proposals include:
- Upgrading the contraflow cycle lane on Newton Street to a stepped cycle track
- Adding a contraflow cycle lane on Parker Street between Newton Street and Kingsway
- Continuous pavement across the Newton Street junctions with Great Queen Street and Parker Street, the Parker Street junction with Kingsway, and across existing vehicular accesses on Newton Street
- Improvements to junctions including loading and parking bans
- Changes to parking and loading
- New planting
- Upgrade of the existing pedestrianised area on Macklin Street between Newton Street and Stukeley Street
As regards the plan for a stepped track on Newton Street, we might want to consider whether this is a good idea:
- Is it needed given the relatively low motor traffic flows?
- Does it make cycling safer or could it cause issues with crossing the kerb?
- Does it set an unwanted precedent that contraflow cycling always needs protection?
As regards the pedestrianised area we have campaigned in the past and recently for this to have two-way cycling permitted so we are pleased to see the proposed changes to the signs shown on the plans.
Consultation on Camden’s website
Consultation and response form at
https://consultations.wearecamden.org/supporting-communities/newtonst/
Plans at https://bit.ly/40no7O4
CCC’s response
CCC Response to Newton Parker & Macklin Street Consultations