French make a stand in the battle of the buses

The long relationship between Britain and France has had its ups and downs. But the latest diplomatic spat involves a bus stop.

The French Embassy has complained to the Foreign Office over plans to reroute up to 2,000 buses every day past two of its key London offices.

They say the buses passing its science
and technology centre and French language institute, both in Cromwell Place, South Kensington, will present a security risk to staff and visitors.

They are also unhappy at proposals to set up a bus stand close to the institute, and fear for the health of pupils at the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle school, claiming the children will have to breathe in unacceptable levels of traffic fumes from the buses, which will pass every 30 seconds at peak times.

Jean-Claude Tribolet, spokesman for the embassy, said complaints had been made to the Foreign Office, TfL and Kensington and Chelsea council.

"We were not consulted about this
beforehand and we will have 2,000 buses passing by each day," he said.

"Aside from the security issue we are concerned about the children at the Lycée Français. There are more than 3,500 children there, and this will cause air pollution. We have asked a lawyer to help us with this."

The buses, from routes 14, 74, 414 and C1 are being re-routed as part of a multi-million-pound plan to revamp and make more pedestrian friendly Exhibition Road, home to the Natural History, Science and Victoria and Albert museums.

Barrister Stewart Leech, who lives in Cromwell Place, where average house prices are £2 million, says residents were not consulted.

"The main concern is noise. It is also a major concern in terms of having additional bus stops. We will have people congregating outside our homes day and night."

To fight the proposals the residents have paid for a £7,500 consultants' report making alternative suggestions about how buses might pass through. Mr Leech said the residents would consider seeking a judicial review against the decision.

Nick Paget-Brown, regeneration leader for Kensington and Chelsea, said: "We're working to make Exhibition Road a safe and attractive space.

"We appreciate the concern of Cromwell Place residents and are engaged with them to address this."

A spokeswoman added that residents' suggestions would be considered.