Tony Arbour Slams 'Flawed' CS9 Consultation

GLA member calls on Mayor to halt scheme as cycling groups welcome result

The results of the consultation into the planned cycle superhighway that would pass through Chiswick are flawed and unrepresentative of local views, according to London Assembly member Tony Arbour. TfL said yesterday that 60% of those surveyed were in favour of the CS9 and nearly half of its responses had come from Chiswick.

Tony Arbour, whose South West constituency covers Chiswick, said: “It looks like the consultation has been undermined by people who live nowhere near the areas affected and who have little or no understanding of the needs of our communities.

“I am calling on Sadiq Khan to halt these proceedings and work with residents and politicians of all parties who agree that the current plans are not good enough. Any scheme that narrows pavements on Chiswick High Road is completely unacceptable.”

He said he had never received as many emails on a local issue as on the cycle superhighway.

The results of the TfL consultation are either skewed or a victory for cyclists, according to your viewpoint. The pro-cycling Hounslow Cycling campaign group said the consultation demonstrated the degree of support amongst Londoners for safer cycling to work, shops, leisure and other amenities.

"Previous consultations for superhighways have shown a clear majority supporting protected cycle routes and CS9 is no exception. We are confident that CS9 will deliver these benefits and make West London a better place for current and future generations." The Hounslow Cycling Campaign has submitted a list of improvements they also want to the scheme.

Hounslow Council has not given an unqualified welcome to the CS9 design and in response to the consultation results, said it would like to see concerns addressed, including;

A review of options to reduce the impact on the southern footway of Chiswick High Road for pedestrians, particularly outside the Our Lady of Grace church;
Access arrangements for some side roads off Chiswick High Road;
Loading provisions for businesses along the high road;
Consideration to wider parking and traffic management measures if the scheme is implemented to deal with likely knock on impacts from the scheme.

A spokesperson said, "Hounslow Council is working with TfL to ensure that the scheme addresses these concerns and provides solutions that will benefit all those who live, work and visit Chiswick High Road."

The Council does not intend to gives its decision on the CS9 until after the local elections.

Councillor Steve Curran, Leader of Hounslow Council, said,“With 60 per cent of respondents supporting plans for Cycle Superhighway 9, there is a clear desire for improved cycling links in west London, however in Hounslow there are local concerns about the effect of CS9 on other road users, particularly pedestrians.

“Whilst we are very keen to improve cycle facilities between our town centres, we cannot ignore these valid comments and council officers are working with TfL to seek to address the concerns that have been raised.”

Redesign CS9 , the self-funded group of local traders and residents who live and work in Hammersmith and Chiswick have complained of a lack of consultation by TfL and Hounslow Council. The group's slogan is 'Ditch It Or Switch It.'

"It is evident that this consultation has been influenced by cyclists and people who do not live in the areas concerned. Many of these people have openly stated on social forums that they have no regard for the interests or needs of local people, businesses, pedestrians or public transport users.

"To rectify Tfl’s lack of consultation with us, we call upon them and the Mayor of London to meet with residents and traders as a matter of urgency to find a better solution that works for everyone in our community - and not just for a small minority."

They said they have been portrayed by cyclists as being anti-cycling and NIMBYs which was misinformation. "Hammersmith and Chiswick would benefit from improved cycling infrastructure, but that should mean working with residents and businesses locally to find a scheme that works for everyone."

You can read the full TfL consultation results here and also read our coverage. The topic is also being debated on our forum.

March 5, 2018