Lib Dems Meet With Metroline To Address Holloway Bus Garage Concerns

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 9th Jul 2002

Bus company offers to work with local residents to reduce noise and disturbance Lib Dems to carry out in-depth survey among residents of key concerns Lib Dems to meet Mayor to discuss the London-wide issue of bus garages in residential areas

Lynne Featherstone, London Assembly Liberal Democrat transport spokesperson, yesterday met managers from Metroline plc, which owns Holloway bus garage near Archway, to discuss residents' complaints.

Keith Moffatt, Metroline Managing Director, assured Ms Featherstone that the company was keen to co-operate with residents to reduce noise and disturbance, particularly in the night hours, and to address safety issues and avoid congestion.

There was no viable alternative to using the full capacity of the garage, but Metroline would be only too pleased if bus traffic movements could be made more efficient.

The Liberal Democrat team agreed with Metroline that some new traffic management measures were needed to make it easier for buses to exit from Monnery Road into Junction Road.

Speaking after the meeting, Lynne Featherstone said:

"Moving 138 buses out of Holloway Garage inside two hours in the early morning without upsetting residents is a major management challenge. The same goes for getting buses garaged around midnight."

"The Lib Dems now want to carry out an in-depth survey among all residents who live close to the garage to get the full picture. We need a new on-going arrangement for Metroline to consult with residents. We think any agreement must be overseen by Transport for London.

"I shall be meeting Mayor Livingstone and Peter Hendy, head of London Buses, to see what part they are willing to play in improving the quality of life for residents."

"London needs its new improved bus services and its extra buses. Holloway Garage could become the flagship of a 'good neighbour' deal with residents for other garages to copy across Greater London."