Residents Propose Alternative Shepherd's Bush Roundabout Plan

Claim that TfL design will cause congestion

Residents at the launch of their plan at Shepherd’s Bush Roundabout

October 6, 2025

A group of residents living near Shepherd’s Bush roundabout have unveiled an alternative proposal to Transport for London’s (TfL) plan to build a new cycle lane through the centre of the junction, arguing that the scheme would worsen congestion and disrupt existing traffic flows. TfL, however, maintains that the changes are necessary to improve safety and encourage active travel.

The roundabout—also sometimes known as Holland Park roundabout—is a key junction in West London, connecting Shepherd’s Bush Green with Holland Park Avenue. TfL’s proposal includes a new two-way protected cycle lane running through the central traffic island, with additional cycle signals, crossings, and a priority bus lane. The scheme forms part of the Mayor’s Safer Junction Programme and aims to reduce collisions and improve pedestrian and cyclist access.

But residents say the plan is flawed. They argue that two existing cycle routes to the north and south of the roundabout are already well-used and safer, and that TfL’s design would remove three traffic lanes, increase congestion, and force cyclists into a busy junction. An independent traffic modelling report commissioned by campaigners forecasts a 225% increase in waiting time on Holland Road and a 795% increase on Holland Park Avenue during peak hours.

The residents’ alternative proposal calls for upgrades to the existing cycleways, which they say would be more flexible, less disruptive, and more likely to encourage new cyclists. Their plan would preserve traffic lanes, reduce the number of traffic lights for cyclists, and segregate cyclists from vehicles and pedestrians for most of the route.

TfL has responded by reaffirming its commitment to safety improvements. According to its consultation materials, 54 collisions occurred in the wider roundabout area over a three-year period, including 14 involving cyclists and pedestrians, six of which were serious. TfL says the roundabout is a high-priority location for intervention and that the proposed design reflects feedback from earlier consultations.

TfL also notes that the scheme will not proceed without approval from Hammersmith & Fulham Council (LBHF), which has yet to formally endorse the plan. Residents have launched a petition urging LBHF to reject the proposal and support their alternative. The campaign’s design, coordinated by Save Our Streets (SoS), is available at www.sos10.co.uk. A petition against the TfL plan on Change.org had gathered nearly 300 signatures at the time of writing.

Local voices have added weight to the opposition. Carolyn Arnold, Chair of the Clarendon Cross Residents’ Association, said: “We recognise the need to encourage cycling, but TfL’s plan would jam up the roads. Our alternative could achieve the same goals more quickly and at lower cost.” David Tarsh of the Avonmore Residents Association added: “LBHF must stand with residents and block this scheme unless it has genuine local support.”

TfL’s consultation report, published following a 2019 engagement exercise, shows mixed public opinion. Critics claim that only 12% of respondents and 30% of cyclists supported the scheme, though TfL has not confirmed these figures in its latest updates.

TfL says it will continue working with LBHF to support the borough’s long-term vision for Shepherd’s Bush Green and Uxbridge Road. A final decision on the scheme is expected in the coming months.