Council Scraps Plan for Woodstock Road e-Bike Bay

Strong local opposition was led by the Bedford Park Society

It was argued that Lime should be able to use the existing bay by St. Michael and All Angels Church

April 4, 2026

Ealing Council has confirmed that it will not proceed with its proposed micromobility parking bay at the top of Woodstock Road, following a wave of objections from residents and coordinated action by The Bedford Park Society. Instead, the council says it will reassess the location and explore alternatives nearby, including a possible site on The Avenue by the shops near Bedford Corner.

The original proposal would have created a new double parking bay for rental e-bikes and e-scooters just a few metres from an existing Hounslow Council bay beside St Michael & All Angels Church on Priory Avenue. The proximity of the two bays became a central issue for residents, who argued that duplicating facilities so close together was unnecessary and risked compounding existing problems with clutter, noise and safety.

The Bedford Park Society alerted its members to the consultation—part of Ealing’s borough-wide Traffic Management Order on micromobility bays, which closed on 25 February—and worked closely with councillors from both boroughs to press for a rethink. In total, 26 objections were submitted, raising concerns about duplication, safety and the suitability of the location.

Residents highlighted that there were “already bays on Hounslow side and one nearby on Bedford Road,” and warned that the proposed site sat “by a blind corner for cars” and close to “a school and a church,” creating risks for pedestrians. Others pointed to behaviour around the existing Priory Avenue bay, where “school children and pub-leavers congregate,” and noted that operators “re-stock location at night,” which they feared would cause disturbance. Several suggested alternative placements on The Avenue, South Parade or within Acton Green, and called for stronger enforcement against poor parking.

In its formal response, Ealing Council acknowledged the cumulative impact of multiple bays in the area and agreed to have a relook at the proposal. It stated that it would “reconsider location and assess alternatives nearby such as on The Avenue by the shops,” while noting that the wider area remains a key destination for micromobility users because “multiple bays in this area help serve Turnham Green Station, which is a key trip attractor.” The council also reiterated that it is introducing an enforcement policy that will allow it to fine operators for obstructive parking.

Helen Jameson, Chair of The Bedford Park Society, welcomed the decision. Saying, “We are pleased that Ealing Council has taken residents’ concerns into account. The decision to reconsider the location of an additional parking bay reinforces the importance of everyone submitting feedback when trying to influence council plans. We will continue to monitor proposals for new bays in the vicinity of Turnham Green Station and are happy to work with the Council to find the best solution.”

The location on Woodstock Road was chosen due to proximity to Turnham Green Station

Questions remain about whether additional bays are needed at all. The Society has urged closer cooperation between Hounslow and Ealing to avoid duplication and improve compliance. It has also appealed to Hounslow Council to renegotiate its contract with operators so that Lime bikes can be parked legitimately in the existing Priory Avenue bay, reducing the need for further infrastructure. Alternative locations have also been put forward.

Councillor Andrew Steed said he was delighted that Ealing Council had listened to residents and thanked The Bedford Park Society for galvanising opposition. “It would be helpful if Ealing provided greater information to justify the additional parking spaces. Going forward we ask for contracts that require shared spaces and do away with the unnecessary stipulation of a parking bay for each bike company.”

The Woodstock Road proposal was one of 21 locations consulted on across the borough in the March 2026 Traffic Management Order. According to the council’s published responses, 10 of those sites will not be proceeding in their current form due to “concerns raised by residents.” Most of the remaining bays—none of which, apart from Woodstock Road, are in Chiswick—are set to go ahead, with roughly two-thirds of the borough-wide proposals being implemented and around one-third paused for reconsideration.