The closure of a “rat run” road has sparked a backlash from critics who claim it has caused traffic chaos.
More than 1,500 people have objected to the closure of Harwood Terrace, Fulham, for six months as part of a trial scheme by Hammersmith and Fulham council.
It said the closure was in response to residents’ complaints about up to 400 vehicles passing through every hour to get to the New King’s Road.
But the SW6 traffic campaign claims the closure funnels traffic to the Bagley Lane junction which generates more than £1m a year for the council in motorists’ fines.
James Spokoini said: “This ill-conceived road closure is causing misery to drivers. It is an entirely unacceptable remedy to the concerns of a few residents.”
Greg Hands, the Conservative candidate for Chelsea and Fulham, said: “There is a whirlwind of public anger against it. They must end the trial closure now.”
A council spokesman said: “Residents were fed up with their street being used as a rat run … a number of cyclists have been knocked down. We will ... make a final decision on the scheme in the future.”
