Fisher's Lane Review Meeting Postponed Again

Council accused of disrespect to residents by opposition councillors

Cllr Andrew Steed at the Fisher's Lane underpass

The promised meeting to review the Fisher’s Lane access restrictions has been postponed for the second time.

Originally due to take place this month, it was rescheduled for February but now Ealing Council have told local councillors that the review and assessment of the closure will take place at a Cabinet meeting in March.

The Liberal Democrats, who represent the local ward, say there is overwhelming opposition from residents to the measure. A survey they conducted among constituents showed a significant majority wanted the measures removed. Opponents of the scheme say that it has displaced a significant amount of traffic onto Acton Lane and South Parade and made journeys more difficult including for cyclists.

All three Southfield Liberal Democrat councillors arranged an extraordinary online Ward Forum meeting on Monday 7 December 2020 to allow residents another chance to present their views on this scheme along with proposing alternatives.

The council sees the restrictions on the underpass as a key part of a safe cycleway linking Chiswick with East Acton. They are proposing a dedicated cycle crossing on South Parade to make the road easier to navigate for inexperienced cyclists. Camera enforcement of the restriction began last month.

Both Ealing and Hounslow Councils are taking legal advice on the court case which showed that the guidance given by TfL to Councils for many transport schemes including Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTN), School Streets and cycle routes may have been incorrect.

Liberal Democrat Southfield Councillor Andrew Steed said, “This is becoming a joke: the initial implementation of the Council plan to close Fishers Lane was handled badly, with poor signage and confusion over enforcement.

“Now the interim assessment which was originally due in January has been moved back until March. Many residents from Chiswick and Acton are suffering and many have been fined. The whole process has been a mess. Labour-run Ealing Council have shown disrespectful to residents who have no faith in the Council.”

Residents can email Ealing Council comments on the Fisher's Lane closure at TrafficNotices@ealing.gov.uk, or post them to the Highways Service, Perceval House, 14-16 Uxbridge Road, W5 2HL, quoting reference ORD XXX.

January 28, 2021