The photograph above is of someone mistakenly driving into the Cycle Superhighway which runs along Shorter Street in the City of London (near Tower Bridge). The driver appeared unaware that this is not a road but a two-way cycle path.
This is an easy mistake to make because Shorter Street used to be open to all traffic but now consists of a cycle lane and a bus lane. No cars are supposed to use either but sat-navs still direct you to turn right to get onto Lower/Upper Thames Street and there is no obvious alternative route.
A few moments after the photo was taken, another car entered the bus lane, no doubt for the same reason.
The writer has been asking TfL to explain which alternative route they expect vehicles to take but I have yet to get an answer. There were many objections to the closure of Shorter Street which was totally unreasonable and shows a lack of understanding of routes vehicles need to take. I will be pursuing this issue until I get some sensible answers.
Roger Lawson
I’ve drove on that very street as direct by iPhone maps! Not sure if I will get a pcn. Did you get anywhere with this at all? Thanks
I have a meeting lined up with TfL on the 9th August to discuss Shorter Street. But don’t hold your breath waiting for a resolution.
Roger Lawson
Good stuff give us an update as and when please
Hello, how much was the pcn pls?
Drove down Thurs 25th. August as I’ve been doing for 28 years!!! Realised too late like many other people. How am I supposed to get on the Lower Thames Street coming in from the East unless I fight my way down to the Highway!….This is NOT efficient.
Hello, I just made the mistake, how much was the pcn pls?
Hi, Steve,
I’m pleased to say that I got away with it….no letter in the post!
Cheers
Ian
PS I’m now using Dock Street and it hasn’t been too bad at all, despite Tower Bridge being closed for a while.
Further to my earlier post I should say that I’ve checked both the AA and RAC route planners as well as Green Flag. They all use Shorter Street!!!!
I did have the meeting with TfL on the 9th August, but as expected it was not particularly productive. The suggested alternative route is to head in the opposite direction and go down Dock St where one can turn right. The meeting consisted of me, three TfL “Communciations” staff and one project manager who seemed to have no authority to make decisions and refused to disclose his contact details. But I told them that route is already heavily congested because of traffic on the inner ring road now using it. I will be pursuing it further and giving them more evidence. In the meantime I suggest you send your complaints to Dorea Lau at DoreaLau@tfl.gov.uk
Thanks for the update. I have used Dock street in the past when Chapter street (my normal route in until now!) was blocked. My recollection is that it always takes several light changes to get out at the bottom, and that is before these stupid changes. I will write to Dorea Lau. Cheers.