Rat Runners In Gunnersbury Park Gardens

Residents argue case for introduction of traffic calming and management measures

Residents of Gunnersbury Park Garden Estate have been campaigning for the introduction of traffic calming and management measures in the hope that they will eradicate the problem of ‘rat-runners’.

The results of a recent statutory consultation on these issues were considered by the Chiswick Area Planning Committee (CAC). Included in the consultation paper sent to residents were proposals for the introduction of a 20mph zone (with speed cushions to make it self-enforcing), complimented with a one-way system (clockwise around Park Drive/The Ridgeway/Princess Avenue), No-Entry into the northern and southern end of Park Place Drive and the removal of the parking bays on the northern section of Princess Avenue.

The committee also considered one petition, containing 88 signatures, urging the Committee to give consideration to alternative options rather than proceeding with the scheme detailed in the statutory notice. And a second petition containing 96 signatures which was sent to the Council’s traffic and transport department which made suggestions for alternative measures to those included in the consultation document including the introduction of rising bollards.

At last week’s CAC meeting, Councillors resolved to:

• Note the results, and the category of additional comments in response to the consultation exercise carried out by the Council
• Await a response/approval from TfL to the preferred option of rising bollards.
• Seek a full analysis of lifecycle costs for rising bollards.
• To promote the rising bollard option as a pilot scheme.
• A sub group be established (perhaps made up of Ward Councillors and resident group representatives) to monitor the operation of the rising bollards, subsequent to full approval and installation.

Full details can be found in the CAC minutes here

March 18, 2010