The Reader: Ripping up cycle lanes is putting lives at risk

Sophie Russell taking part in the protest on Kensington High Street yesterday

(Daniel Hambury/Stella Pictures Ltd)

How ironic it is that at the first day of a landmark inquest into the death of Ella Kissi-Debrah, a nine-year-old girl who died of a severe asthma attack, Kensington and Chelsea council have chosen to rip up newly built cycle lanes.

The fact that many of those said to be against the scheme don’t even live in the UK, let alone London, makes the council’s claim that locals didn’t want it risible and fraudulent.

The government mandated councils, as part of the pandemic emergency measures, to spend the money provided on Streetspace schemes to encourage walking and cycling and alleviate congestion. It is right Will Norman has sought to recover the money. Clearly this is a bare-faced attempt by big business to put profit before public health.

Kensington and Chelsea council, acting on the basis of an unrepresentative petition, have failed those in their care and are putting lives on the line.

Dave Degen

Editor’s reply

Dear Dave

Kensington and Chelsea council has been described by the London Cycling Campaign as a “rogue council” and it’s a sentiment well-expressed. Its actions run counter to the aims not just of TfL but of Transport Secretary Grant Shapps and the Government. Public money is being wasted by axing the cycle lanes before they bed in, with no attempt to consult the public. TfL needs to be allowed to seize control of Kensington High Street.

Ross Lydall, City Hall Editor

No gain in pub vaccine passes

What’s the advantage in banning folk from pubs if they are not vaccinated? Those inside who are inoculated are safe and refusers do so at their own risk. Aside from wasting public money in setting up a scheme, the cost of policing an identity card system for venues in financial trouble could be the final nail in their coffins.

Barry Tighe