The Night Before Wightmageddon

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by dbh1954 on March 29, 2016 at 19:08

He's clearly trying to find out why you feel the need to drive rather than use public transport.

Permalink Reply by redbluetwenty2 on March 29, 2016 at 21:39

That was not my interpretation. But you are entitled to your opinion. What does appear to be obvious is that is all about getting people out of cars as you have so clearly identified. 

Permalink Reply by Karen Alexander on March 29, 2016 at 19:01

Some observations from today, I've been watching with interest how it's going. It's day one, there are going to be some teething problems but hopefully things will settle as people find alternative routes. I've just cycled back along Wightman which, despite the rain, was a joy. The block at Pemberton Road needs to be adjusted to stop cars mounting the pavement to get past. I've been watching from my bedroom window cars pouring out of Warham, this needs to be addressed as they are just going round on a loop and getting frustrated. One driver put his foot to the floor and sped as fast as the distance would allow and mounted the pavement to get through. Also the blocks at Seymour are too wide and some cars have been simply driving through them.

Whilst I appreciate how inconvenient this is for people who need to use their car I am really enjoying seeing Wightman virtually car free - something I haven't seen in the 20 years I've lived here.

Permalink Reply by Dick Harris on March 30, 2016 at 3:14

Hiya Karen, a car free Wightman Road is indeed an unusual sight.  It is rather like some of those pre-WWI photographs that Hugh keeps finding.  After buying my house in 1979 I walked to Harringay station everyday, often alongside traffic that was moving no faster than walking pace.  That was before parking on the pavement was permitted.  The only time that I had the pleasure of walking down the middle of Wightman Road was for a few days in 1984 just after St Paul's church burned down.  The road was closed while the end wall was made safe, ie demolished.

Permalink Reply by Jacqueline Osley on March 29, 2016 at 19:04

I live in Crouch End and there's total gridlock here - and I really mean total. Traffic on all the roads into Crouch End is just not moving. We use our car rarely but look after grandchildren in East Finchley twice a week and were returning from there when we had to abandon the car, park up and walk the rest of the way, so yes, the repercussions are being felt. And the 41 buses lined up in  Tottenham Lane are stationary

Permalink Reply by redbluetwenty2 on March 29, 2016 at 19:10

Its as I thought, things are going to be very very challenging. The repercussions of closing down such a major artery will be felt far and wide by everyone. But hey, at least the cyclists are happy (for now!) they may have to face some rather dangerous challenges at either end of that road! And then there are school children and insufficient crossings. Has anyone considered this? Frustrated motors racing up and down the ladder trying to find ways out. What about the affect on local businesses? Or those who used to use a bus to get to work and now also need to find alternatives.

It just goes on and on. 

Permalink Reply by redbluetwenty2 on March 29, 2016 at 23:14

Apologies but I don't think you're up to speed on things. I don't need to look at the map to realise that this closure is already causing major inconvenience and raising safety issues. 100 years ago it was a dirt track. But the influence of regeneration money has made wightman road into an artery and its classification of B road is neither here nor there when the affects of its closure are already being felt as far back as Crouch End and Bounds Green. As far as I can see the whole thing has been mismanaged. Starting with the lack of consultation with residents and the raising of awareness. And no I was not referring to the thriving business's of Green Lanes which as you have adequately pointed out have parking and plenty of local foot traffic. I was rather thinking about the off shoots, like Crouch End, Farmers Market, Muswell Hill and other smaller retailers who are already suffering due to the huge cost of parking and limited at that. And what is all this about venting anger? Patience is indeed a virtue and one I intend to employ.  What holistic approach would you suggest? A mindfulness group at each end of Wightman Road  perhaps? 

Permalink Reply by John McMullan on March 30, 2016 at 8:32

This is the most fantastic trolling. You really should get an award.

I do just have to add that according to historic photographs on here, Wightman Rd was not a dirt track 100 years ago. The top end was reconfigured after WWII to align it with Hornsey Park Rd, assisted by a V2 rocket I believe.

Permalink Reply by StephenBln on March 30, 2016 at 8:56

The realignment was part of the Shopping City scheme.. was carried out early 1970s.

Permalink Reply by Paulie on March 29, 2016 at 19:10

I am familiar with the local area. I didn't ask which school but where it was. You seemed rather annoyed by that request but then revealed you had already said that the school was in Muswell Hill. So I disagree that I sound like a troll and find the accusation really quite unpleasant. But in any event I won't keep up this discourse as there's no internet coverage under my bridge.

Permalink Reply by redbluetwenty2 on March 29, 2016 at 23:23

I thought it inappropriate to ask since you already appeared to be aware of the location for the specifics. As for your consideration of my personal welfare and how difficult my journey may or may not be is not the subject of the debate. And what I see happening here is that there are many people who are absolutely delighted by this closure but my feeling is that that will be short lived both for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians alike. Im looking at the bigger picture and I if I do mention my personal situation I do not expect it to come up for scrutiny however well intentioned. I apologise if you were offended by my reference to trolling. Yes, that is unpleasant. And it is not limited to twitter. I did find your questioning a little odd since you were in possession of the facts as you admitted in your earlier statement. So lets leave it there. No hard feelings. 

Permalink Reply by Rory on March 29, 2016 at 19:14

Just walked past Fairfax road to see this van going onto the pavement to get past the Fairfax block. It seems the road blocks are completely useless at the moment. Also, just walked back past Falkland and there's absolutely no indication that it's no longer a through road for Wightman and that this will be the case for six months. It's an utter shambles. Anyone heard of Green Oak property maintenance? I do now. 

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