New Access Restriction to Divert Traffic Down Chiswick Lane
Hammersmith & Fulham bans non-residents from using Rivercourt Road
Rivercourt Road in Hammersmith. Picture: H&F Council
November 24, 2024
Higher levels of congestion are feared on Chiswick Lane and Chiswick High Road following the announcement of a new access restriction by Hammersmith & Fulham Council
It has decided to ban drivers not resident in its borough or given an exemption by a resident from using Rivercourt Road which is most often used as a route between the A4 and King Street.
The council says that more than 4,000 vehicles use the road each day and nearly 80% of those are not from Hammersmith & Fulham.
It is suggesting that traffic eastbound on the A4 Great West Road which previously used Rivercourt Road to get to Hammersmith should either turn off at Hogarth Roundabout and go via Chiswick Lane and Chiswick High Road or continue on to the Hammersmith Gyratory. Given the level of congestion on the latter and that it would be a less direct route, it is anticipated that more than half the diverted vehicles will travel up Chiswick Lane.
The council was prompted to introduce the measure after a number of serious collisions involving cyclists nearby at the junction with King Street/Cycleway 9 and reports from residents of near misses.
It will use ANPR cameras to issue fines to vehicles not owned by borough residents or visitors given an exemption.
With the restriction in place, the road will operate two ways rather than being northbound only. A new turnaround bay will also be added at the bottom of Rivercourt Road near the existing entrance from the A4.
Map showing new operation of Rivercourt road. Picture: H&F Council
Changes will also be made at the intersection of Rivercourt Road and King Street to make it easier to see cyclists.
Hammersmith & Fulham borough residents can get access for their visitors by using the RingGo app, which is used for similar restriction currently operating in South Fulham. Businesses need to apply for Business Visitor Access Permit by emailing RivercourtNeighbourhood@lbhf.gov.uk.
The measure will be assessed over an 18-month period during which feedback can be given about its operation.
There have been a number of collisions involving cyclists on this part of King Street
Anyone travelling along Rivercourt Road from outside the borough without a permit will receive a warning during the three weeks of the trial after which fines are issued. There is no exemption for Blue Badge holders.
Donald Grant, Chair of the Traffic Camera Consulting Group (TCCG), accused Hammersmith & Fulham Council of keeping the scheme ‘under the radar’ and said the South Fulham CAN has led to ‘ongoing hostilities’.
“This third low-traffic neighbourhood (LTN) will bring congestion and pollution to other residential roads around Rivercourt, similar to that which now plagues Wandsworth Bridge Road, King’s Road, New King’s Road and other populous roads in Fulham,” he said.
Mr Grant also claimed the turning bay would be dangerous, comparing it to parklets on Wandsworth Bridge Road which he said had worsened congestion.
Christopher Johnson, a resident speaking on behalf of a group of locals who have been pushing the council for changes to the road, however said the response to the scheme has been positive.
Among the issues the group is concerned about are vehicles backing up, idling, increasing pollution and putting people at risk.
“There have been accidents,” he said. “People have been hurt. We have been arguing for about three years, pressing the council to do something about the volume of traffic.”
Asked about the rollout, Mr Johnson said,“The residents on the street are delighted that the improvements are being made.”
Hounslow Council has been asked for a comment on the new restriction.
Written with contributions from Ben Lynch - Local Democracy Reporter
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