Councillors are calling for a controversial £600k cycle path in Orpington to be rethought following concerns it will make travel times worse.

A band of Bromley councillors have asked for the proposed Crofton Road cycle route to be amended amid fears it will cost too much to the taxpayer and slow traffic down.

Over a year since the scheme first emerged, Bromley Council last month agreed on revamped proposals following a consultation and several meetings with members of the Crofton Residents Association (CRA).

CRA had concerns over the proposed scheme, despite a council consultation showing 65 per cent of people in favour of making the facility even longer.

The scheme has moved through several drafts, with one version estimating the route would cost as much as £850k.

MORE - Crofton Road cycle route set to be approved after plans rejigged

The scheme was rejigged after concerns about safety and costs, and a £627k proposal was subsequently given the green light last month.

Despite being approved, five councillors have now ‘called-in’ the scheme, meaning it will be brought back around the table for further scrutiny.

The councillors are asking for the cycle route to be reconsidered, claiming the expenditure is “not a good use of taxpayers’ money”.

Councillors Tony Own, Simon Fawthrop, Russell Mellor, Keith Onslow and Harry Stranger all submitted call-ins.

They said the demand for the scheme is not proven, and the work will make travel times worse for buses and other vehicles.

“The works will lengthen emergency vehicle response times on a critical major route from the Princess Royal University Hospital”, the call-in said.

The scheme was revised to remove cycle facilities between Ormonde Avenue and Crofton Avenue, although improvements to the pedestrian facilities would remain.

Crofton Road has been earmarked by TfL as an area that could have better cycling infrastructure to support more bike trips instead of buses and cars.

The call-in will be debated at a special meeting next week, December 17.