Island to get £420,000 for traffic improvements

By John Hill on January 11, 2010 3:02 PM |

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The Isle of Dogs is expected to receive £420,000 of funding towards traffic improvements in the new year.

Mayor of London Boris Johnson has confirmed that the borough has been promised the cash as part of a £3.7million transport package.

While the exact nature of the work that will be done has not yet been firmed up, it will focus on Manchester Road, Island Gardens and Stebondale Street.

The Mayor's office confirmed that the work had been earmarked for "measures including the introduction of a 20mph zone, the pedestrianisation of a section of Saunders Ness Road and a cycle link to the foot tunnel".

If any speed restrictions are imposed in the area, they are expected to be applied to streets off Manchester and Westferry Road. Tower Hamlets Council re-assured residents back in 2007 that it had "no plans" to limit speed on these key Island roads, after concerned residents distributed flyers and chained a protest sign to a railing near Heron Quays.

Individual boroughs apply to Transport for London funding each year, but this year special emphasis has been placed on promoting and facilitating cycling.

Increased provision for cyclists will form part of the £428,000 improvement to Bethnal Green Road, and the £150,000 revamp for New Road.

Improvements to pedestrian facilities at St Pauls Way will also be included in a £400,000 package of measures.

Mayor Johnson said: "The investment means that across the capital town centres and public spaces are being overhauled, cycling and walking facilities are being improved, and roads are being made safer."

A Tower Hamlets Council spokeswoman said: "Part of the £3.7million will be for these works in the south of the Isle of Dogs in response to residents' concerns."