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PLANS to scrap the one-way system at Highbury Corner and make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists have been unveiled.

The western side of the roundabout will close altogether and the station square would be extended, creating a new public space.

There will be segregated cycle lanes and improved pedestrian crossings – though Transport for London said some car and bus journey times will be increased.

The public can have their say on the proposal until March 20.

Ward councillor Caroline Russell, who has been campaigning for changes to the road system for many years, said: “I am delighted to see a do-able scheme that seems to deliver a massively improved public realm and safe, segregated cycle routes.”

Cyclists now make up 22 per cent of all traffic using the roundabout.

Cllr Russell said some residents may question whether traffic will end up using residential roads, but added: “If we have robust before-and- after data about traffic flow then, if a problem arises, there are different tools that can be used to mitigate it.”

TfL has put forward two proposals for the public space, which would be around half the size of a football pitch, and would be built around the existing Highbury Corner arboretum, the island in the middle of the gyratory.

Option one would see the western side of the roundabout pedestrianised, linking it to the station forecourt, and the planting of trees.

There would also be scope for a café or market stalls, as well as extra seating.

Option two would go further by opening up the arboretum to the public and adding a new pedestrian crossing at the top of Canonbury Road, providing a pedestrian route to Highbury and Islington station.

Either way, the 277 bus route will now terminate at Dalston junction instead of Highbury Corner and additional buses will run on route 30.

Highbury Station Road and Hampton Court Road will close permanently and the southern end of Corsica Street will be closed to traffic, except for cyclists heading north.

Town Hall transport chief Claudia Webbe said: “This scheme will transform an area that is currently congested for pedestrians and difficult to navigate for cyclists.

“We aim to create an open, attractive and pleasant area that reclaims the enclosed trees from the traffic island for people to enjoy.”

Leon Daniels, managing director of surface transport at TfL, said: “The improvements would help us deliver our aim of eradicating death and serious injury from London roads and encouraging more people to walk and cycle. We look forward to hearing people’s views on our proposals.”