Afternoon:
14°c
Boris cycle hire station in the City may be blocked
Ruth Bloomfield05.11.09
City chiefs are fighting plans to install a docking station for Mayor Boris Johnson's flagship bike hire scheme near St Paul's Cathedral.
The Corporation of London is poised to refuse planning permission for the 21-bike station, plus payment terminal, at King William Street.
A report on the plan, to be considered by the corporation's planning and transportation committee next week, claims the 25-metre docking station could endanger workers and tourists.
It is the second time the corporation has attempted to block plans for a stand on the site, which is on an approach to London Bridge Station. This summer it refused plans for an even larger stand, prompting Transport for London to scale back its plans.
However, the City still feels the bike stand is a risk.
"The City of London Corporation supports the principle of providing a sustainable transport system through the Mayor's cycle hire scheme," the report states. But it adds: "The proposals would endanger public safety."
The Mayor intends to have 400 docking stations across Zone 1.
