Locals Express Concern Over Traffic Changes For CS9

British Grove residents seek amendments to proposed re-routing of traffic

The proposed Cycle Superhighway (CS9) for Chiswick High Road could lead to traffic congestion and be dangerous for residents and pedestrians as well as causing inconvenience to businesses in their area, according to locals in British Grove.

They are hoping that a meeting with Transport for London (TfP) this week will allay their concerns and that the traffic management changes to British Grove and the junction of Chiswick High Road, King Street and Goldhawk Road, will be reconsidered in the light of the "logistical and serious safety issues" raised by residents on both the Hounslow and Hammersmith & Fulham sides of the street.

As part of the traffic changes proposed for the CS9, vehicles coming east along Chiswick High Road would be prevented from turning right at the junction with Goldhawk Road to gain access into British Grove. Instead drivers would have to go through the lights and into King Street to turn right, into St Peter's Square, to gain access. This would lead to traffic congestion in a quiet residential area and be a safety issue because of the narrow street leading directly to British Grove (see image below) where the complex of townhouses is located.

One local said that British Grove has five businesses and provides drop-off and pick up access to two nursery schools. Non-resident pedestrians use it to provide access between Stamford Brook and the offices and residences on the river. This did not seem to have been taken into account by TfL.

Residents of British Grove also say the increased traffic will create a safety issue for them exiting through the communal front entrance, which has electric gates. They say this is already difficult because of reduced visibility due to the angle of the road. The residents are bringing their concerns directly to TfL this week. One local said they had been given assurances that the plans would be reconsidered but we were unable to confirm this.

Another resident said that the street was already experiencing traffic problems with lorries trying to turn around - the road is two-way at the top (which will remain) but narrows at the very end with no pavement. As rubbish collection day for both councils (Hounslow and Hammersmith) falls on the same day, there is weekly congestion as the large vehicles try to negotiate the narrow street.

The residents are hopeful that this week's meetig will yield positive results. The decision making process involves not only TfL, but also Hounslow and Hammersmith & Fulham Councils.

You can read more details about how the cycle highway will operate with maps.

The cycle path is to be located on the southern side of Chiswick High Road because surveys indicated this had a lower footfall and it would have a lower impact on tree removal, according to TfL.

The consultation on the cycle highway closes on 31 October.

Further details with maps and images available on the TfL website.

Click here for larger version of this map

The CS9 is part of the Mayor's draft Transport Strategy and Healthy Streets project which aims to encourage walking, cycling and using public transport. TfL say it will provide improvement for all road users and offer a clearer and safer route for people to cycle in West London, make it easier to cross busy roads, and remove traffic on some residential roads.

October 16, 2017