Streetspace Measures in TW8 and TW7 To Be Made Permanent
Council disregards resident opposition to schemes
Cllr Hanif Khan (left) at the installation of a School Streets scheme
Hounslow Council has announced that it intends to make a range of traffic measures instituted across Brentford and Isleworth permanent despite their unpopularity with residents.
The schemes in the area which are affected are those on:
• Chestnut Avenue
• Whitestile Road
• Challis Road
• Green Dragon Lane
• Amhurst Gardens
• Teesdale Avenue
• Teesdale Gardens
An interim report by transport consultant Steer published this May indicated a very high level of opposition from residents to most of these schemes. Over 10,000 responses were received about the measures across the borough and all the schemes in the TW8 and TW7 areas were opposed by the majority of respondents with over 90% against the Amhurst Gardens restrictions.
In Brentford, Occupation Lane (leading to Clayponds Avenue) has been closed using physical barriers between Ealing Road (B455) and Chestnut Avenue. There are also restrictions on through trips along Whitestile Road and Challis Road between Windmill Road (B452) and South Ealing Road (B455).
On Green Dragon Lane between Brentford High Street (A315) and Ealing Road (B455) through trips are restricted in both directions using ANPR cameras, but access for residents and their visitors has been maintained.
In Isleworth, Amhurst Gardens, Teesdale Avenue and Teesdale Gardens have had through trips restricted.
It is understood that the council has come under significant pressure from central government to retain schemes that were introduced on a trial basis during lockdown. Neighbouring Ealing Council has been told it will have transport funding withdrawn due to the early termination of one of there Low Traffic Neighbourhood Schemes. A consultation the borough held about the remaining schemes indicated they were also unpopular with residents and the council must make a decision on their future next month.
Councillor Hanif Khan, Cabinet Member for Transport and One Hounslow at Hounslow Council, said, “Over the last few months, after extensive engagement with residents, we’ve removed and amended Streetspace trials that were not working as intended, and today we’ve made permanent those trials that are working well.
“We know there is a range of strongly-held views about Streetspace, and we hope that our balanced approach to reviewing the trials has demonstrated that we really are listening and trying to reach the best outcomes.
“Once again, I want to thank residents for taking part in the Streetspace consultation and attending our engagement meetings. It’s my promise to residents that we will continue this listening approach as we head towards the final reviews in September.”
Hounslow has also announced its intention to make most of the less controversial School Street measures instituted last year permanent including the ones in Brentford and Isleworth.
The measures are designed to discourage parents from dropping off and picking up their children and in some cases ANPR cameras enforcing the restrictions from which local residents and their visitors are generally excluded.
Councillor Khan said, “School Streets have proved to be very popular with parents and pupils, and residents, so I’m delighted to confirm today that these schools will continue to benefit from the schemes.
"School Streets help to improve road safety for pupils, parents, and teachers on their way to and from school, promoting walking, cycling, and reduce pollution in the area around schools.
“They’re helping us deliver on our target to become a net zero borough by 2030 by reducing car usage and encouraging the alternatives. That’s on top of improved air quality, which is especially important for children while their lungs are still developing, and safer roads for all our residents.
“We’re exploring whether there are other schools that would benefit from School Streets as well.”
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August 27, 2021