THE press were asked to leave a meeting between business owners and Transport for London about new bicycle lanes in Seven Sisters Road.

A TfL officer stood up during Tuesday’s meeting and said she would walk out if the Tribune was not asked to leave, citing “protocol”.

The meeting was organised after businesses said the experimental lane, which is in Seven Sisters Road between Holloway Road and Finsbury Park, was dangerous and had caused several accidents and near-misses.

Residents and businesses are complaining it was causing traffic jams and pollution.

David Lear, an independent filmmaker who lives nearby, said he wanted an independent body to make a decision about the success of the bike lanes.

After months of uncertainty around when a consultation would be opened into the bike lane, which was completed late last year, TfL confirmed this week it would start in May, at the completion of the entirety of Cycleway 50 – five months after it was launched.

Another meeting is expected to be held, in which press are invited.