Gas masks win petition signatures in Caledonian Road protest

Protestors wore gas masks on Saturday as they continued their campaign against a two-way traffic system.

In November last year, a one-way system at the bottom of Caledonian Road was removed as part of Islington Council measures to take it out of the King’s Cross gyratory. As a result, traffic lights were installed in Wharfdale Road’s junction with Caledonian Road.

But Wharfdale residents are furious that the disrupted traffic flow is causing noise and pollution to infiltrate their homes, resulting in health issues.

The council has said the matter remains “under review”, and residents gathered outside Tesco Metro on Saturday.

They collected 122 signatures for their petition, and Lynne Sanders, from the group, said: “This increase in traffic congestion has resulted in an increase in both air and noise pollution.

“Many residents, especially those who live near the lights, are suffering from disturbed sleep. Many asthma sufferers have had to increase their medication, and other residents have suffered from severe respiratory disorders.”

Cllr Paul Convery, a Caledonian ward representative, said: “There is no doubt that in the whole of the King’s Cross Triangle system, every single monitoring point is way above air pollution levels that are satisfactory.

“That’s why we have to redouble our efforts to get rid of the whole gyratory, and we have got an agreement from TfL to this effect, with a consultation starting early next year.”