New London cycle route could disrupt pub deliveries

Transport for London (TfL) and the City of Westminster have begun a consultation on plans for a continuous, segregated cycle route — the East-West Cycle Superhighway — between Tower Hill and Acton, to improve safety and reduce conflict between cars and cyclists.

In the consultation document, TfL said it will need to relocate or remove some existing kerbside parking and loading to make space for the cycle corridor.

It said the proposals will mean longer journey times for vehicles along most of the route and on roads approaching the track, both during construction and once complete, but added it is working with businesses and freight operators to minimise the impact on deliveries.

'Significant costs'​

London First, which represents a range of businesses in the capital including hospitality firms, said it is concerned about a lack of detail in the consultation.

Infrastructure director David Leam said: “Better cycling and pedestrian facilities, as well as public realm, are now part and parcel of what it is to be a 21st century world city. However, this must not make life intolerable for those on London’s buses, cars, taxis, coaches and vans. As well as moving commuters, London’s roads ensure we get the goods and services we need where and when we need them.

“TfL’s own consultation acknowledges that these proposals would mean longer journey times on key cross-London routes and on the roads approaching them. This could have a significant economic cost.”

Brigid Simmonds, chief executive of the British Beer & Pub Association, said: “While we haven’t studied the specifics along the proposed route, it is certainly true that where businesses such as pubs rely on heavy, kerbside deliveries, this can raise health and safety issues, for both cyclists and delivery staff, where deliveries have to cross such lanes.” 

Impact​

London-based pub companies also said they are looking into the knock-on effects of the new track.

A spokeswoman from Fuller’s said the company has already had discussions about the route with TfL and cycling commissioner for London Andrew Gilligan “has even come out to have a look at how we would be impacted”. But she said it was too early to say what the impact will be.

A spokesperson from Wells & Young’s said: “We are actively working with our distribution partner KNDL (Kuehne + Nagel Drinks Logistics) and speaking to customers throughout London to fully identify the potential implications of these proposals so we can make the appropriate recommendations, and challenges where necessary.”

The consultation closes on 9 November.