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The decision to tear up the High Street Kensington cycle paths after just seven weeks will be reconsidered following pressure from activists.
Elizabeth Campbell, Tory leader for Kensington and Chelsea, tasked officials with preparing a new report on the abandoned program, which will be discussed by senior advisers at a meeting in March.
Senior transport council member Johnny Thalassit will not be participating in the review.
It comes amid continued anger from cyclists and security activists over Cllr Thalassit’s decision to remove ‘pop-up’ lanes, which had been funded with £ 320,000 in government money to encourage people to walk and cycle during the pandemic.
They were ripped off last month after just seven weeks following complaints from some businesses and residents. Cycling UK has previously said it is asking lawyers if there are grounds for seeking judicial review on the grounds that Kensington and Chelsea council acted “unreasonably”.
Mayor Sadiq Khan also said he was considering all options regarding Kensington High Street, which is a municipal road, which could include Transport for London taking over and re-establishing the lanes.
In a Friday statement, Cllr Campbell said: “I have asked Council to reconsider the decision to remove the temporary cycle lanes from Kensington High Street, and I will seek the advice and decision of the entire management team. We will do it. without the transport leader in the interests of fairness and balance.
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“It is important that we take into account the most up-to-date information and views we have, which is why officers have been asked to prepare an updated report for us to consider at our March meeting.
“I know the depth of feelings on both sides of this issue, so it is important that we take the time to examine it further and understand how the Council can be a leader in all forms of active and sustainable travel. . ”
It is believed that removing the lanes cost Kensington and Chelsea £ 30,000. The first attempt was blocked by protesters Extinction Rebellion and Stop Killing Cyclists, who blocked the lanes and stopped the removal of fixed markers separating them from the road.
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