Midhurst Road Traffic Scheme 'Will Split Area in Two'
Local councillor objecting to scheme until full consultation is held
One of the affected junctions on Midhurst Road. Picture: Google Streetview
A councillor for a ward in which Ealing Council is planning to implement a Low Traffic Neighbourhood Scheme has pledged to oppose it unless a full consultation is held.
David Millican, who represents Northfield ward, claims that the measures around Midhurst Road, south of the Broadway will effectively divide the area in two. He says it has been described to him as a scheme which is attempting to solve a problem that does not exist.
In a letter to his constituents he writes, “I am aware that views are mixed on the proposal, but I have received phone calls and emails from many more of you opposing the scheme than supporting it.
“Many of you have said, whilst the objectives of the scheme are laudable, there is no particular issue with rat-running along the roads as they are already narrow only allowing one car at a time. “
Ealing Council plans to install a series of five barriers around junctions with Midhurst Road to stop the flow of traffic in the neighbourhood. The aim is to reduce rat-running through the area
When the barriers are in place those living east of Midhurst Road, e.g. Balfour Road, Salisbury Road, Mayfield Road, Claygate Road, Wyndham Road, Ridley Avenue and also Chalfont Way, Fulmer Way, Burnham Way will have no direct access to Boston Road. You will be required to drive back to Northfields Avenue for onward travel
Conversely the roads would be blocked for those west of Midhurst Road, e.g. Haslemere Ave, Woodstock Ave, Erlesmere Gardens, Balmoral Gardens such that you would have no direct access to Northfields Avenue, but you would have to drive round via Boston Road.
Originally the barriers were going to be large concrete blocks but now they are to be more attractive wooden planters. There would be two planters at each location with a lockable post in the middle for refuse and emergency vehicles to pass.
The barriers will have double yellow lines painted for 10-20m on each side, leading to the loss of a significant number of parking spaces in the area.
South of the Broadway neighbourhood scheme
Cllr Millican wants the council to hold a full consultation on the plan. They are implementing it through an Experimental Traffic Order (ETO) which does not require a consultation be held, only that there is a seven day notification period. Residents are allowed to give feedback on the scheme during a six month trial period after which the scheme will be subject to review. Cllr Millican says that borough traffic engineers told him that no schemes implemented in this way in other areas have ever been removed.
The council have received funding from Transport for London for the plan and it is expected to be implemented next month.
The council say that the schemes like this one will reduce rat-running in residential areas of the borough and encourage more walking and cycling.
If you want to make a comment on the scheme the council officers responsible can be reached on COVIDtransport@ealing.gov.uk and the senior councillor responsible is Cllr Mik Sabiers SabiersM@ealing.gov.uk.
July 21, 2020