Hounslow Council Gives Go-Ahead To Cycleway 9
Unanimous vote in favour of controversial scheme at cabinet meeting
Hounslow councillors gave a unanimous vote in favour of the Transport for London's (TfL) controversial Cycleway 9 (CW9) last night (Tuesday, 3rd September).
The vote came after presentations from opponents and supporters of the controversial scheme, which has been a divisive issue in the past two years in Chiswick.
The backing of the council means that the scheme can proceed to the design and statutory consultation stage.
Opponents of the scheme said they were considering their next move.
Much of the debate was taken up with the issue of safety, with those opposed to Cycleway 9 arguing that it would lead to an unsafe environment for pedestrians if cyclists were travellling at speed along a high street. The pro-cycleway 9 lobby argued that a segregated cycleway would protect cyclists from collisions with motorists.
The nine Chiswick councillors (Conservatives) who have opposed the proposal, claim the cafe culture of Chiswick and retail would be threatened, that the cycle highway would endanger the elderly and those with mobility issues because of "multiple hazardous and confusing crossings".
Cabinet members, none of whom represent Chiswick, questioned the groups closely on issues of safety, air pollution, alternative proposals, before also questioning Hounslow Head of Transport, Mark Frost on traffic congestion and loss of parking.
The petition against the cycleway has a total of nearly 5,000 signatures.
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September 4, 2019
