Advising Locals To Avoid Gunnersbury 'Unacceptable'

Mary Macleod MP hits out at TfL over recent email to residents

Mary Macleod, current MP for Brentford and Isleworth, has urged travel bosses not to turn passengers away from Gunnersbury Station during rush hour.

Mary's words come after Transport for London (TfL) contacted Chiswick residents advising them to avoid using Gunnersbury at the busiest times in the morning and evening due to over-crowding.

The station, which has been the subject of a long running local campaign for an upgrade, carries thousands of commuters to Chiswick Business Park every working day. This number is set to increase further as the next stages of the Park development are occupied.

TfL says it is considering using a managed queuing system during the busy hours to prevent overcrowding, and recently advised residents of the Gunnersbury area to find alternative means of travel where possible.

Mary, who is chair of the Gunnersbury Station Action Team, said that despite the "great progress" made at the station in the past year, she had serious concerns over TfL's recent email:

"Advising passengers not to use the station during peak hours is unacceptable. Gunnersbury has become a transport hub for West London in recent years and whilst it’s great to see so many businesses being attracted to the area, local residents should not have to suffer. We need to find a long term solution to radically redevelop Gunnersbury Station – and that’s what the Action Team is committed to doing”.

April 2, 2015