Fisher's Lane Review Meeting Postponed

Council's decision described as 'kick in the teeth' for local residents

Cllr Andrew Steed at the Fisher's Lane underpass

The promised review of the impact of the access restriction on Fisher's Lane has been postponed until February.

Originally scheduled to take place in January, Ealing Council officers have confirmed to Southfield ward councillors that the review of the contentious Fishers Lane traffic scheme will be delayed.

A full report on the matter is due to be presented to a meeting of the full Ealing Council in January. The Liberal Democrats, who represent the local ward, say there is overwhelming opposition from residents to the measure. A survey they conducted among constituents showed a significant majority wanted the measures removed. Local MP Rupa Huq has said that the future of traffic measures like the Fisher's Lane closure and Low Traffic Neighbourhoods implemented by Ealing Council should be decided by a local vote.

The survey conducted by the Liberal Democrats can be seen here.

The council sees the restrictions on the underpass as a key part of a safe cycleway linking Chiswick with East Acton. They are proposing a dedicated cycle crossing on South Parade to make the road easier to navigate for inexperienced cyclists. It recently announced that camera enforcement of the restriction was due to begin at the location.

Opponents of the scheme say that it has displaced a significant amount of traffic onto Acton Lane and South Parade and made journeys more difficult including for cyclists.

Liberal Democrat Southfield Councillor Andrew Steed said, “The Julian Bell-led Ealing Council delayed review date is a kick in the teeth for Southfield residents. It delays the chance for facts to be presented to Ealing Council about how most people think the scheme does not work. Liberal Democrats have less disruptive alternatives that need to be discussed and have consulted with residents at the Southfield Ward Forum meetings and using surveys.”

All three Southfield Liberal Democrat councillors arranged an extraordinary online Ward Forum meeting on Monday 7 December 2020 to allow residents another chance to present their views on this scheme along with proposing alternatives.

Cllr Steed added, “Labour is using the ‘covering their ears' strategy to the Fishers Lane scheme by arrogantly claiming “It's not a referendum” with regards to listening to residents' views. Ealing Labour's contempt of the people, it is supposed to serve, is deplorable. Schemes that have such a wide impact to local residents deserve to have the facts heard and reviewed urgently.”

Residents can email Ealing Council comments on the Fisher's Lane closure at TrafficNotices@ealing.gov.uk, or post them to the Highways Service, Perceval House, 14-16 Uxbridge Road, W5 2HL, quoting reference ORD XXX.

December 31, 2020