The Kensal Rise Residents’ Association (KRRA) proposes to support TfL’s proposal to change route 452 so it would operate between Vauxhall Bus Station and Notting Hill Gate, following its trial period (Proposed response at the end of this post). This position stems from the severe impact of TfL’s intensive bus operations in the neighbourhood, where over 1,100 double-decker diesel buses traverse Chamberlayne Road daily – equivalent to one bus passing residential properties every other minute, seven days a week.

The Victorian-era Chamberlayne Road, a narrow single carriageway just 6.5 metres wide, was never designed to handle such heavy traffic. The constant passage of 12-tonne buses has led to structural damage to properties, dangerous levels of air pollution, and significant safety concerns, as the road lacks the infrastructural capacity to safely accommodate such volumes – over 11,300 vehicles and 1,100 buses daily (excluding route 302). Between 2020-2022, there were 40 collisions on this road. Particularly worrying are the air quality levels near Ark Franklin Primary Academy, identified as one of London’s most polluted school locations in the Mayor’s 2018 Air Quality Audit.

Because of the intense traffic volume, bus journeys are severely impacted, often taking 20 minutes or more just to travel down Chamberlayne Road. This unreliability has made buses the least preferred travel option for many residents, who choose to drive instead to maintain control over their journey times – directly contradicting the Mayor of London’s strategy to encourage greater use of public transport.

From a broader urban planning perspective, the current bus routing appears to contradict TfL’s own stated goals of creating healthy streets and promoting active travel. The dominance of buses on Chamberlayne Road discourages cycling and walking, working against the Mayor of London’s  transport strategy of increasing active travel modes.

The KRRA notes that route 452 has already been temporarily suspended in Kensal Rise with no complaints from residents, as route 52 adequately serves the area. They propose making this change permanent. The association also recommends implementing an ANPR traffic management system to reduce cut-through traffic to improve bus journey times.

These changes would help address the community’s pressing concerns about public health, safety (particularly for cyclists and pedestrians), and quality of life while maintaining sufficient public transport access through existing routes.

If you have any feedback, please contact the KRRA by 4 PM (13 December 2024) at kensalrisera@gmail.com.