Anti-cycleway Campaign Asks for More Funding
OneChiswick needs money to pay for judicial review of scheme
OneChiswick want cycleway and other recent changes reversed
The group campaigning to reverse road changes in the Chiswick area has launched a new effort to raise funds for a legal challenge.
OneChiswick has distributed leaflets through letterboxes across the W4 postcode area ahead of the upcoming judicial review of the temporary Cycleway 9 on the High Road. The case is due to be considered on 16 and 17 June.
The leaflet features the iconic image of Lord Kitchener used to recruit troops for the first World War. The claim is made that 94% oppose the changes but no source is given for this figure. It includes a QR code that links to the group's GoFundMe fundraising page.
Speaking about this latest stage of the campaign, a spokesperson for OneChiswick said, "Residents and businesses remain extremely angry about the changes and the way in which their views have been ignored and rejected. Gridlock, pollution, long detours and millions in unfair fines are not their only concerns. They are also angry about the inequality C9(T) causes for disabled people, frail or elderly and for the many worrying delays to the emergency, medical and care services and our public transport, on which everyone relies.
“More and more people are also deeply concerned about the devastating impact of C9(T), the road closures and removed parking are having on so many shop owners. Chiswick has also become a no go area for the many who used to visit our shops, restaurants and community from neighbouring places. We hope for a generous response to our appeal to cover the costs of the judicial review – it is one of our best hopes to bring back the Chiswick we love.”
OneChiswick is encouraging residents to put the leaflet in their windows, just as many did with its previous poster "Hounslow Council is Destroying Chiswick".
The campaign says that it full encourages walking and cycling and many of its members are cyclists but it objects to the lack of full and proper consultation on the measures that have been introduced.
Hounslow Council disputes that the consultations on the cycleway and other Streetspace measures pointing out that the Experimental Traffic Orders used to implement them were used in line with government guidelines.
When the judge announced the date for the hearing Hounslow Council said in a statement, “Transport for London and Hounslow Council remain committed to making cycling easier, safer, and more appealing in Chiswick. Chiswick High Road is a serious casualty hotspot for cycling that required urgent action. With social distancing requirements still in place, including on public transport, there is a significant risk that congestion levels across London will rise if trips previously made by buses or trains are instead made by car.
“To enable people who previously drove or used public transport to cycle, streets must be safe and well designed. We are listening to feedback and are continuing our review of what effect this temporary scheme and other Streetspace schemes are having on road users, residents, businesses and visitors.”
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April 24, 2021
