More Revelations About Fisher's Lane Scheme

Councillor Andrew Steed digs deeper into the circumstances behind the closure

Fisher's Lane underpass

Previously during a non-public meeting between Southfield councillors and Ealing Council’s transport team, it was uncovered by Liberal Democrats that the Fisher’s Lane traffic restrictions will not be enforced by Ealing Council due to “financial constraints.

This revelation showed that Ealing Council has a knack of pushing unpopular, disruptive policies at the expense of local residents without any consultation or proper planning. The signage was not clear to many drivers and so many did not know there were changes to driving around Fishers Lane.

Very recently I revealed that the traffic restrictions on Fisher’s Lane were a response to the actions of Hounslow Council restricting Turnham Green Terrace. We have been given a number of reasons for traffic restrictions on Fisher’s Lane. Initially Ealing Council indicated that they were responding to the Government directive on providing safer travelling facilities for cyclists and pedestrians. On that basis they were able to take advantage of Covid-19 legislation. Now the Ealing Council Portfolio Holder has responded to say the main reason was because of safety concerns over the additional traffic caused by the restrictions on Turnham Green Terrace.

The Labour Councillor responsible for transport matters was replying to a series of questions from me concerning the traffic measures. However, this admission raises a series of further questions concerning the discussions that took place between the two neighbouring local authorities. They each have a duty to consult with each other. Unconfirmed reports suggest that any discussion was minimal, and that Hounslow went ahead with the Turnham Green Terrace works with little or no awareness of the repercussions on the wider area.

It also appears that enforcement will be taking place.

We will follow up and are asking when Ealing knew about Hounslow Council’s actions. Their response - to restrict vehicle use of Fisher’s Lane has resulted in Southfield residents being cut off from the rest of Chiswick, and South Parade and Acton Lane becoming one long traffic jam at certain times of the day.

This situation and the poor coordination means that many Chiswick residents are suffering needlessly.

Councillor Andrew Steed, Southfield Ward

September 10, 2020