| Topic: | Re:Re:Re:Sunday Parking Restrictions Chiswick | |
| Posted by: | Chris Calvi-Freeman | |
| Date/Time: | 07/01/12 12:49:00 |
| Reluctantly, I’m going to step just briefly outside Council policy and post here to clarify the changes currently being implemented, but I can’t continue to discuss this issue on-line. Francis: There are no lies – the Borough knows as much about the likelihood of the bridge’s early opening as the public does. Yes, we have indeed “gone to the time, effort and expense of making all these changes” as we believe this is the appropriate course of action. Extension of bus lane hours and restrictions on waiting & loading within bus lanes will keep the buses moving (they move as many people along CHR as private cars do) and this will help keep all traffic moving. The London boroughs also have a statutory obligation under their Local Implementation Plans to support the Mayor of London’s Transport Strategy, which includes promotion and facilitation of buses, cycling and walking as attractive alternatives to the private car, as part of the drive to reduce congestion, improve local air quality and tackle obesity etc. There is also a significant cost to the economy in having buses and commercial vehicles stuck in traffic. We’ve written to TfL asking them to publicise the fact that CHR should not be regarded as a diversion route as it won’t help commuters to make a faster journey and will just contribute to congestion. I’ve also reminded TfL that they should be promoting a switch to their own tube and Overground services, and SWT. Sunday waiting restrictions will free up CHR through the town centre throughout the week, while extension of the current finish time of the current waiting and loading restrictions at other sites from 7pm to 8pm will keep evening traffic moving (traffic volumes tail off quite markedly between 7pm and 8pm on weeknights). James: Yes, the worst traffic congestion is traditionally in peak hours, and there is very little that the Council to do to assist here. However, congestion has increased between the peaks and in the evenings and weekends, and Sunday congestion levels have been the cause of complaints for several years. The enhanced restrictions will make a material improvement at these times for all road users. There is no “profiteering”. There are no changes to the hours when payment is required to park. Judy: I was concerned to read your comments about disabled road users. If you email me at chris.calvi-freeman@hounslow.gov.uk and provide further information I will be happy to discuss this with you. The Council’s full statement may be found on the front page of the Council’s website at www.hounslow.gov.uk I’ve also pasted it below. Chris Calvi-Freeman Head of Transport London Borough of Hounslow +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Council moves swiftly in response to closure of flyover Fri, 06 January 2012 Hounslow Council has moved swiftly to improve traffic conditions on Chiswick High Road, following the closure of the A4 Hammersmith Flyover by TfL on Christmas Eve. A programme of inspection carried out by Transport for London (TfL) on the Hammersmith Flyover before Christmas revealed a serious structural defect, which means that the flyover is currently closed and will remain so until at least mid January. TfL has implemented local traffic diversions supported by variable messaging signs, advising drivers to avoid the area. Many commuters and commercial vehicle operators are now following the signed diversion routes including the A40 and the South Circular. However, others have switched their route to Chiswick High Road in the hope of a faster journey. Consequently, Chiswick High Road is experiencing significant congestion and traffic delays affecting bus routes 27, 190, 237, 267, 272, 391, 440, E3, H91, as well as local goods servicing and local private traffic. All roads approaching Chiswick High Road are also significantly affected. The council has arranged for the following temporary changes to bus lanes and waiting restrictions along the full length of Chiswick High Road between Chiswick Roundabout and Goldhawk Road to be implemented immediately: Conversion of the current 7am-7pm (and other part-time) bus lanes to 24 hour 7 day operation to maintain bus operating speeds and to provide protection for cyclists. Extension of current waiting and loading restrictions in the bus lanes to Monday-Sunday 24 hour 7 day operation. Extension of current Monday-Saturday 7am-7pm waiting restrictions (outside of the bus lanes) to Monday-Sunday 7am-8pm, to ease the predicted significant congestion that will occur next Sunday and each Sunday until the flyover reopens, and to ease evening traffic flows. NB: Inter-peak and evening loading (from 8pm) will not be prohibited, except in the bus lanes. New signage will be installed on Saturday 7 January to convert the bus lanes to 24 hour operation. Changed waiting and loading restriction signs at other locations along the High Road will be installed on Monday 9 and Tuesday 10 January. The council has requested TfL to reimburse it for the costs associated with this work. The council has also postponed scheduled tree maintenance work along Chiswick High Road. Despite these emergency measures, bus journeys along Chiswick High Road to and beyond Hammersmith or Shepherds Bush are expected to continue to be slower than usual. Bus passengers and car drivers should consider switching to tube and train services, as these are not affected by this closure. Walking and cycling are likely to be better alternatives for anyone making short local journeys in Chiswick. The council asks motorists to avoid Chiswick High Road if at all possible as this route will not provide a faster journey between Hounslow borough and central London and will only contribute to local congestion. For more information, visit: www.tfl.gov.uk. |