Brent Council give the green light to multi-million pound plans to improve traffic hotspot

Cars will be banned from a section of a notorious traffic hotspot in the borough after the plans were given the green light last night.

Brent Council have rubber-stamped proposals which will result in parts of Harlesden being open to buses and cyclists only.

Cars will be prohibited on High Street between the Jubilee Clock and Tavistock Road, with delivery lorries serving shops in the area being permitted before 10am and after 4pm.

The multi-million scheme will also see footways widened to provide more space for pedestrians and more trees will be planted throughout the area.

Leroy Simpson, Chair of the Harlesden Town Team, said: “This is a major step towards realising the aspirations of the Town Charter and making Harlesden a wonderful place to live, work and play.”

Changes to Controlled Parking Zones will also be introduced and drivers face further clampdowns on parking offences, such as double parking, with the installation CCTV cameras.

The scheme will be boosted by a �3 million cash injection from Transport for London (TfL).

Cllr Jim Moher, Lead Member for Highways and Transportation, said a transformation of the area was ‘long overdue’.

He added: “I’m delighted that we have given the go-ahead to implement the plans as this will make the area an attractive place that people will want to visit, socialise and shop in.”

Work is expected to begin on the project in spring 2013.