Meeting transport needs at the expense of the locals
North Circular Road
The North Circular Road in the Borough of Brent has been a concern for many residents, as well as the local Council. The Council has been finding out the extent of the impact on residents and the environment from this busy and dangerous road.
The North Circular Road connects Brent to London and the rest of the country. On a good day, Heathrow can be reached by car in twenty minutes. However convenient this may sound, the road is having a huge impact on the residents who live merey a pavement away from what is becoming a busy motorway.
Scientists have been analyzing environmental, health, safety, and traffic data of the road, in order to aid the Council in finding a long term solution, as well as what short term measures can be taken to alleviate some of the problems.
Many pollutants that originate from the burning of motor fuels can be harmful to humans especially children and the elderly. One short term solution already proposed by the Brent Council is to establish Air Quality Management Areas. These are areas south of and next to the North Circular Road.
The road is also the scene of many accidents, since parking is limited, and cars are travelling at high speeds it is very dangerous to pull in and out of residential driveways. In a survey conducted by the Council, many residents reported major accidents at least once a week, and recently two in one week on the road itself.
The council is working hard with the project team as well as the residents of Brent to find a solution to the problem of the North Circular Road.
Submitted by: Sarah Doherty (Worcester Polytechnic Institute), 11 April 2003
