If you require further information about this agenda please contact: Chaspal Sandhu on 020 8583 2065 or at CAF@hounslow.gov.uk.
CHISWICK AREA FORUM
A virtual meeting of the Chiswick Area Forum will be held on Tuesday, 17 November 2020 at 7:00 pm
MEMBERSHIP
Councillor John Todd - Chair Councillors Patrick Barr, Joanna Biddolph, Michael Denniss, Gabriella Giles, Ranjit Gill, Sam Hearn, Gerald McGregor and Ron Mushiso.
Click on the link below at 7pm to view the meeting:
CAF 17 Nov 2020
1. Apologies for absence, declarations of interest or any other communications from Members
2. Minutes of the meeting held on 4 February 2020 and Matters (Pages 3 - 7) Arising
3. Discussion Item 1 - Community Engagement (presented by (Pages 8 - 14) Elliot Brooks, LBH)
4. Discussion Item 2 - Hounslow Streetspace Programme - (Pages 15 - 54) Emergency Covid-19 Transport response in Chiswick (presented by Paul Traynor, LBH)
An appendix to the minutes with Questions and Answers raised regarding this item has been published and can be viewed under this agenda item
5. Any other business the Chair wishes to take on the grounds of urgency
6. Date of next meeting - Tuesday, 12 January 2021 at 7pm
7. Instructions for viewing a virtual meeting (Pages 55 - 56)
Participating in the meeting and submitting questions: i) This is the first meeting of the Area Forum since Hounslow and the rest of the country went into lockdown in March, following the outbreak of the coronavirus, and is taking place using Government Regulations which allow councils to hold virtual meetings.
ii) To watch and take part in the meeting please click on the meeting link above from 7.00pm on the meeting date. If the live event hasn't started, you'll see the message "The live event has not yet started."
iii) Because of the virtual format of this meeting, residents will not be able to join the Area Forum as they normally would to speak to members direct. However, you are encouraged to submit questions in advance. The earlier we receive your submission, the greater the chance of a response being available in time for the meeting. i) If you would like to submit a question to the Area Forum, please contact the Committee Administrator, Chaspal Sandhu, by email at [email protected] or [email protected] or by calling 020 8583 2065 with your query as soon as practicable and no later than 4pm on Monday 16 November 2020. A proforma is included in the agenda pack to assist this. ii) There will also be a chance to submit questions via the ‘Q&A function’ on MS Teams during the meeting itself. Select Q&A on the right side of the screen and type your question in the compose box, and then select send. If you would prefer to ask your question anonymously, select “Ask Anonymously”.
iv) Members will try to answer as many questions as they can on the night.
Recording and reporting on public meetings A recording of this meeting will be made available on the Council’s YouTube channel in the days after the meeting. A link to access the recording will be published with the meeting agenda.
DECLARING INTERESTS Committee members are reminded that if they have a pecuniary interest in any matter being discussed at the meeting, they must declare the interest and not take part in any discussion or vote on the matter.
Niall Bolger, Chief Executive, London Borough of Hounslow, Hounslow House, 7 Bath Road, Hounslow TW3 3EB
Published on 09 November 2020
Agenda Item 2
At a meeting of the Chiswick Area Forum held on Tuesday, 4 February 2020 at 7:00 pm at The Hogarth Hall, Chiswick Town Hall, Heathfield Terrace, Turnham Green, W4 4JN. Present: Councillor John Todd (Chair) Councillor Ranjit Gill (Vice-Chair) Councillors Joanna Biddolph, Michael Denniss, Sam Hearn, Gerald McGregor and Ron Mushiso
1. Apologies for absence, declarations of interest or any other communications from Members
Apologies were received from Councillor Gabriella Giles and Councillor Patrick Barr.
Declarations of Interest: Councillor Sam Hearn referred to a petition that would be presented to the Area Forum and declared that his son was a member of Fusion and often used the facilities at Chiswick Pool.
2. Police Report
PCSO Natalie Soden, Ward Officer for Turnham Green, presented the police report and gave statistics for the types of crime reported in each ward. She advised that the number of burglary reports had not increased. However, burglary and drug related crimes would be made priorities following feedback received on OWL.
In response to questions about knife crime, PCSO Soden advised that there had been no reports of knife crime and no weapons uncovered when using ‘stop and search’ powers. ‘Stop and search’ powers were also being used to seize drugs. PCSO Soden advised that mostly cannabis had been seized through ‘stop and search’ exercises.
PCSO Soden advised that positive multi-agency work had taken place and that there were public engagement events planned to help residents understand how to protect themselves from crime.
Councillor Hearn stated that residents had reported regular drug dealing incidents taking place behind the shops on Fauconberg Road. PCSO Soden advised that the police were aware of the issues in that area and work was underway to tackle the issue.
Members of the public were advised that they could report issues to their local police teams via email on:
The Chair thanked PCSO Soden for the report and closed this item. 3
3. Forming the Community Safety Strategy 2020-2023 - Keryn Jalli (LBH)
Keryn Jalli, from the Council’s Community Safety Team, attended the meeting to seek Members’ and residents’ thoughts about crime in the Borough and what the priorities should be included in the new Community Safety Strategy 2020-23.
In discussion, the following areas of concern were raised: Residents wanted to be able to feel safe walking around their hometown, without fear of attack and they suggested that better lighting in areas such as footbridges, Turnham Green Park and around Gunnersbury Station was needed. Concerns were raised that lighting on the Deans Close pedestrian bridge needed to be fixed. Damaged railings along a footpath leading to Strand on the Green nursery were also in need of repair. Concerns were raised that road markings for cycle lanes had become very faint and were becoming difficult to see putting cyclists at risk. Very large trees with large roots were raising pavements causing them to become very dangerous trip hazards. Drivers speeding in residential areas was also raised as an issue of concern. Concerns were raised about an increase in drug dealing across Chiswick and theft/muggings. Cyber Crime was also raised as an issue that was increasing but many people were not aware of how to protect themselves against it.
Keryn Jalli thanked Members and attending residents for their contributions. She advised that there was a sheet pinned to the wall at the back of the room and she asked those present to indicate the crimes they were most concerned about in Chiswick (headings included: knife crime, burglary, robbery, prostitution, motor vehicle crime, hate crime and violence). She advised that the draft strategy would be presented to Cabinet in April.
The Chair thanked Keryn for her presentation and closed this item.
4. Hounslow Highways update - Martin Clack (Hounslow Highways) and Tim Hurley (Hounslow Highways)
The Chair welcomed Martin Clack, Divisional Director of Hounslow Highways and Tim Hurley, Hounslow Highways, to the meeting to provide an update on works being carried out.
Tim Hurley gave a PowerPoint presentation about the works being carried out in Chiswick and future works that were scheduled.
Mr Clack noted that potholes remained an issue of concern amongst residents and he recommended that residents used the Hounslow Highways website or the fix my street app to report the potholes. He advised that additional funding had recently been received which would allow more reports of potholes to be investigated.
A question about trees had been submitted in writing, in advance of the meeting, by David Blackburn, a local resident. Mr Clack advised that he would forward the question on to his colleague Rebecca Mastrogiannis who would respond to Mr Blackburn directly.
In response to further questions about trees, Mr Clack advised that there was a stock of trees that was maintained by Hounslow Highways. In addition, as part of the energy climate programme there were plans to plant a substantial number of new trees within the Borough. 4 He advised that work was being carried out to choose the right trees for the right environment.
Councillor Gill noted that flytipping continued to increase and questioned why there had been an increase in the number of incidents. Mr Clack felt that the increase could be due to people not being aware that it was illegal or simply not caring. He emphasised the importance of educating residents so that they did not fly tip. The Council had invested more funds into CCTV that could be used to identify flytipping hotspots and use vehicle number plate recognition and as a result many fixed penalty notices had been issued. The Area Forum was advised that Hounslow Highways had to clear a fly tip within 24 hours, and he advised that, unfortunately, the 24-hour target created an expectation of a reactive service.
In terms of street cleansing, it was suggested that more work needed to be done to notify residents in advance so that they could move their cars allowing leaves to be cleared and roads swept more effectively. Tim Hurley advised that with the large amount of leaf fall this year, approximately fifty roads were being cleared a week. He advised that public relations at Hounslow Highways had not forced residents to move their cars. He advised that a permanent member of staff at Hounslow Highways led each leaf clearing team and the overall results were very positive.
Councillor Biddolph expressed concern that the roads were cleaned in alphabetical order by ward. Unfortunately, that meant that the roads in Turnham Green were left until the end of the programme, by which time the leaves had become very slippery and dangerous. Mr Hurley advised that it was a learning curve and he would feedback to the teams for the next cycle.
The Chair thanked Martin Clack and Tim Hurley for the update and closed this item.
5. Budget 2020 - Councillor Shantanu Rajawat
See submitted presentation slides, Agenda Item 5.
Councillor Steve Curran, Leader of the Council, presented the Council’s budget considerations for the coming year.
Resolved: The Budget 2020-21 presentation was noted.
(9:21pm: Councillor McGregor moved suspension of standing orders until the close of all items on the agenda. This was seconded by Councillor Hearn and the motion was carried)
6. Petition: Request to improve the facilities at Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre and New Chiswick Pool (187 signatures)
Charlotte Kimpton, a local resident, presented a petition requesting urgent improvements to the facilities at Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre and New Chiswick Pool. She advised that she and other users had complained many times about the state of the facilities. Ms Kimpton had attended two separate meetings with both Hounslow Council and Fusion in July 2018 and expressed frustration that almost eighteen months later there had been no change and no improvements made.
In response to questions, Mr Kimpton gave the following examples of some of the problems being faced by users of the facilities: - Broken lockers in changing rooms - Toilets and sinks were broken 5 - Mould in the changing rooms, showers and around the pool - Blocked shower drains/hairs - Unhygienic and dirty changing rooms and around the pool - No toilet paper or soap in soap dispensers - Parking spaces were taken up all day by commuters
Ms Kimpton advised that when service users had reported the issues there was no timeframe given of when the problems would be fixed. Furthermore, Ms Kimpton expressed frustration at being fobbed off by staff at Fusion who had often stated that the Council was responsible for repairs.
Councillor Hearn felt it was important for the Council to investigate whether the terms of the contract had been breached by Fusion and he felt that a review needed to be undertaken.
Councillor Todd recommended that the issue be referred to the Lead Member for Leisure Services as a matter requiring urgent review and investigation. Councillor Biddolph seconded Councillor Todd’s recommendation and the Chiswick Area Forum unanimously agreed to refer the issue to Councillor Samia Chaudhary.
Resolved:
That the Chiswick Area Forum referred the petition to the Lead Member for Leisure Services so that the terms of the contract with Fusion could be reviewed and an investigation into the state of the facilities be carried out.
7. Public Forum
Mr Jeff Boyling asked Mark Frost, Assistant Director Transport, Parking & Environmental Strategy, to explain why the traffic management scheme no.TMO/051/19 was implemented before a consultation was carried out and how the visual impact on the conservation area could be remedied. As Mark Frost was not present at the meeting, the question would be forwarded to him and he would respond directly to Mr Boyling.
A member of the public raised concerns about proposals to move the Royal Mail delivery office to Acton. She advised that staff had been trying to fight the move for three years and questioned whether the Council could help. Councillor Biddolph advised that she had been working closely with the post office to help try and find a solution. She advised that it was a complicated issue as although there were many empty properties on the High Road, there was not a site or building that met the needs of the service/business. She advised that work was ongoing to try and find a solution.
8. Issue Tracking
21:55pm: Cllr Mushiso left the meeting
Dukes Meadows Councillor Todd advised that works on the foundations to the footbridge were being carried out.
Crossing at Fishers Lane Councillor Biddolph requested that the crossing on Fishers Lane be added back onto the issue tracker as funding had not yet been identified or the issue resolved.
6 Fusion facilities The facilities at Brentford Fountain Leisure Centre and New Chiswick Pool be added as an issue to monitor on the Issue Tracker
Liveable Neighbourhoods A report on the Liveable Neighbourhoods scheme to be presented at a future area forum meeting.
Grantham Road CPZ Councillor Todd advised that a petition had been received by residents of Grantham Road requesting that their road be included in a wider CPZ that included Burlington Lane. He requested that the issue be monitored on the tracker.
9. Minutes of the meeting held on 19 November 2019
The minutes of the meeting held on 19 November 2019 were agreed and signed as a correct record.
10. Urgent Business
There was no urgent business.
11. Date of next meeting - 28 April 2020
The date of the next meeting was noted as 28 April 2020.
The meeting finished at 10:09 pm.
7 Agenda Item 3
A new approach to Community Engagement The Council is working to develop a new approach to engaging with our communities, which starts from the ambitions we set out in our Thriving Communities Strategy and Corporate Plan, seizes the opportunities that have arisen as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and aims to build a new relationship with residents, based on transparency, trust and mutual respect. Hounslow is a diverse borough, home to speakers of 188 different languages at the latest count. But our engagement approaches to date have not reached all communities equally, with the voices of Black, Asian and other Minority Ethnic residents, and younger residents, too often missing from conversations about decisions affecting residents of our borough. Why now? As the coronavirus pandemic took hold, Hounslow’s communities leapt into action, with Mutual Aid groups springing up in many neighbourhoods, and religious and community groups rapidly changing their focus to meet a new set of needs. Their ability to do this so quickly and effectively highlighted something that we already knew, but that it was useful to be reminded of – that the depth of knowledge and understanding that exists within our communities is one of our Borough’s greatest assets and that we must get better at listening to it. It was clear, as we started to think about the coronavirus recovery, that the relationships with our residents that had begun to be built over the course of the pandemic must be prioritised and strengthened. That we must get better at reaching out to all of our communities, listening to what people say, understanding their priorities and working together to identify approaches to tackling local issues. To this end, we established a Communities Recovery Board, tasked with ensuring that our communities are at the heart of the coronavirus recovery. The Community Recovery Board The Community Recovery Board, part of the Council’s Recovery Programme, has been leading on improving our knowledge, understanding and representation of our residents. It’s been creating an evidence base of what we know about our residents and communities; ascertaining the impact of coronavirus and lockdown and how the Council can support people. The Board has also considered independent reviews of how the Council engages with residents and the voluntary and community sector and is considering the future design of the community support hub we established during the pandemic and how that approach can be used to meet other resident need. Where next? This is the start of a conversation, and we will be reaching out to residents, ward councillors and community groups, beginning in October, to understand how their experiences can shape our future approach. As a first step, this will be discussed at Area Forum meetings in October and November as an initial opportunity for residents and local Councillors to start thinking about how they would like to be involved.
8 9 ONE HOUNSLOW - MANY VOICES An action plan for engaging with Hounslow’s communities CORONAVIRUS – COMMUNITY RECOVERY
Outcomes Understand our communities
10 All residents are socially connected and live in pleasant neighbourhoods where they can play a role in their community New dialogue with our Investing to get All residents and communities are involved in shaping the place they live and the residents the best out of services they receive by having a strong and influential community voice our VCSE
A thriving and sustainable voluntary and community sector that co-designs and delivers to meets the needs of our residents Whole-system Community Solutions approach to Residents receive the right help and support in order to lead independent, address need healthy lives with the skills, confidence and resources to support themselves and each other COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT REVIEW
In June 2020, the Council commissioned CLES (Centre for Local Economic Studies) to conduct a review of the community engagement. The Council has ambitions to develop its community engagement approach to reach all of our communities and demographic groups across the borough, fostering a community spirit and enabling citizens to become part of a collaborative11 approach to shaping the borough. The work includes • A review of the approach to engagement, including analysis of strengths and weaknesses relating to culture, knowledge and understanding, approach and methods • An outline of what ‘good’ looks like within the thoughts of those involved in this work and more broadly • Examples of good practice which could inform future work based on the needs of the area Methodology used;2 • Benchmarking; Framework to evaluate existing engagement and reach • Group Interviews and Workshops –LBH officers, Members, Area Forum Chairs • Focus Groups – individuals/groups involved in grassroots initiatives or have had limited involvement with the Council • Mapping the partnership architecture within Hounslow to identify avenues for collaboration A PROPOSED WAY FORWARD
12 5. Pass on the 1. Taking stock power An iterative process to develop an approach to community 4. Co- engagement that is not just producing local 2. Listening relevant and fit for purpose now, engagement mechanisms but remains so into the future
3. Reflecting PROPOSED WAY FORWARD
1. Local conversations with residents to; consider priorities to; support needs of communities; gain a better understanding of how residents engaged
2. Consider how to be best resource our ambition for community engagement – resourced to reflect its importance 13 3. Build on the Councillor ward links to shape engagement with the local community and inform decision making
4. Work with the community re-imagine our engagement mechanisms so they focus on areas/locations people identify with and can enable co-production of local solutions for deeper engagement and better consultation
5. Facilitate opportunities for social action by ensuring that the grant funding available in the borough works to support small-scale community projects as well as larger interventions
6. Explore methods of engagement where a degree of decision making is devolved to citizens e.g. participatory approaches
7. Explore structured discussion methods e.g. assemblies, summits, representative panels to collaboratively shape a borough-wide approach to ‘One Hounslow’ and reframe the relationship between the public, private and voluntary sectors A PROPOSED WAY FORWARD
1. Taking stock A short period of internal reflection • Determine what we know and don’t know about our communities, community groups and local leaders • Reflect on which approaches work well and which don’t and the mechanisms available for sharing local knowledge
14 2. Listening A listening exercise focusing on understanding our many communities and their priorities • Aligning with the green recovery board concept of 15-minute neighbourhoods • Beginning to identify local leaders
3. Reflecting Building consensus on a ‘One Hounslow’ approach to relationships with citizens • Prioritising social research, intelligence and insight and the mechanisms for sharing knowledge • Ensuring recruitment practices attract both local people and younger people and that engagement resourcing is aligned with ambition
4. Co-producing Working with citizens to jointly develop engagement mechanisms • Build out from the Community Hub to reach into local neighbourhoods and connect with local identities, both digitally and in person • Enable citizens to take a lead in shaping their local area, reviewing current engagement structures, processes and funding mechanisms as necessary
5. Passing on the power Deepen the approach, exploring innovative methods • Trial deliberative democracy methods, promoting citizen voice and deepening the value of ‘Passing on the Power’ • Test out new democratic approaches, such as assemblies and summits, representative panels and partnerships under the ‘One Hounslow’ banner LB Hounslow Streetspace Programme -15 Update Agenda Item 4 CHISWICK AREA FORUM 17-11 Chiswick Area Forum Update
This presentation looks to provide an overview of the Streetspace programme to date and address some of the main enquiries we receive. It is structured as follows: 16 Rationale for the programme, including national and regional policy context Overview of Phase 1 and Phase 2 to date, including funding awards made A summary of the Chiswick Schemes implemented or announced to date Further update on the review process for the schemes and how stakeholders can engage in that A response to some frequently asked questions LB Hounslow Streetspace programme – Why?
Central Government Statutory Guidance (Secretary of State 9 May 2020) The government expects local authorities to make significant changes to their road layouts to give more space to cyclists and pedestrians. ‘Once in a generation opportunity’. Guidance makes clear measures should be taken as swiftly as possible…and17 in any event within weeks. Further letter from DfT on 28 May: Anything that does not meaningfully alter the status quo on the road will not be funded. The Mayor of London’s Streetspace programme, developed in tandem with the Government guidance. Make it easier and safer for people to keep up social distancing Help people walk and cycle more often and help avoid a sharp increase in car use. If people switch even a fraction of their previous journeys to cars, essential deliveries and emergency services will be gridlocked (estimated to mean up to 100,000 new car trips from Hounslow residents alone) Keep London's air as clean as possible to protect everyone's health and to reduce carbon emissions The council must pay due regard to statutory guidance from Government and also must respond to Mayoral transport directives under GLA Act 1999. Noted also our own transport strategy approved Feb 2019 supports these measures being brough forward. LB Hounslow Streetspace programme- summary to date Phase 1 and 2 trials we’re ‘shovel ready’ or have been developed following borough wide consultation in May/June alongside engagement with other key stakeholders. Phase 1 and Phase 2 includes: 18 14 Bus lane hour extensions Restarted 5 sustainable transport trials 30 school street trials 29 low traffic neighbourhood trial measures/interventions 4 Town centre footway widening or closure trials c10 ‘Pop up cycle lane’ trials/other cycle improvements We’re about two thirds of the way through this programme. c25% of trials are in Chiswick Area. £1.887m secured from TfL, to support c£360k for Chiswick. Chiswick Trial Measures
Footway widening (through parking suspensions) outside Chiswick Police Station, on Turnham Green Terrace and Devonshire Road. Access restrictions on Turnham Green Terrace and Devonshire Road. Loading and disabled parking maintained/added Closure of Fishers lane except for buses (completed by LB Ealing) Access restrictions at Wellesley Road/ Stile Hall Gardens and Duke
Road19 already agreed in principle as part of the Cycleway 9 scheme approved in September 2019. A temporary version of Cycleway 9. A range of trials as part of the South Chiswick Liveable Neighbourhood Project including access changes at Harvard Hill (south of the A4), Park Road/Staveley Road, Hartington Road and Thames Road. School streets at William Hogarth/St Mary’s; Strand on the Green schools; Cavendish Primary; Chiswick Community School and Grove Park Primary. Access restrictions in Prebend Gardens and Gunnersbury Garden Estate have been proposed but are currently unfunded. Reviewing Impact of Streetspace trails
Determination of phase 1 and phase 2 temporary measures will involve an interim (3-4 months) and a final (7-8 months) review. Reviews are to be undertaken by an independent consultant and will consider a range of inputs, including:20 Compliance with wider policy objectives Feedback received from residents and businesses - https://haveyoursay.hounslow.gov.uk/traffic-and- transport/streetspace-feedback/ Traffic count data against baseline, where available. Includes sharing data with Ealing. Assessment of INRIX GPS data (Feb 2020 vs September/ October 2020) Changes in walking and cycling observations where available, safety data where available Footfall and commercial transaction data from O2/Mastercard where available Air quality data Reviews will be circulated with ward councillors for comment further to presentation with officer recommendations to lead member and chief officer. They will be published for residents to view. 1 Cycleway 9
Chiswick High Road
Chiswick Area Forum
17 November 2020 21 2 Why are we here?
• To engage
• To listen
• To gather feedback 22 • To provide updates & look ahead 3 Presentation
1. Background to ‘Streetspace for London’
2. Engagement / consultation approach
3. Monitoring impacts of the scheme
23 4. Plans for C9 Chiswick High Road
5. Next Steps 4 TfL's ‘Streetspace for London’ Plan
In line with Government policy - Traffic Management Act response to COVID-19 - ‘Gear Change’ – getting more people walking and cycling with high quality "pop up" infrastructure
- £55m for Streetspace projects - Further £20m from DfT Emergency Active Travel Fund. 24 • Strategic cycling • Low Traffic Neighbourhoods • School streets • Hotpots – social distancing
• Hounslow progressing key projects
• Adjacent boroughs making good progress including Kensington & Chelsea, Westminster, Richmond, Ealing, Wandsworth, and Hammersmith & Fulham Engagement / consultation DfT issued clear guidance to all Highway Authorities expecting them to urgently reallocate road space. Streetspace schemes are therefore implemented on a temporary basis
• LB Hounslow has been engaged throughout the design process • Emergency services have been consulted, and their views included in the temporary scheme
• We25 met ward councillors to get their feedback on the changes in the summer • We wrote to local residents to make them aware of our works and information will also be provided on the TfL Streetspace website. • The scheme will be monitored, and feedback gathered Kensington High Street – temporary scheme to influence our decision and / or make changes (see next slide) • Formal consultation if we want to make schemes permanent Streetspace monitoring
Streetspace schemes will be monitored to assess the impact on:
• Road danger and casualty data • General traffic and bus journey times
26 • The number of people cycling • Access and inclusion for older and disabled people, and other protected groups • Data will be used to help improve temporary schemes and to inform decisions over whether they will be made permanent or not
Wellesley Road, Chiswick Feedback to date
• Congestion • Our traffic data highlights that bus journey times on Chiswick High Road have generally been good despite the ongoing construction • We will continue to monitor traffic impacts when all works (including Thames Water) are completed
• Emergency Services 27 • We are continuing to engage with the emergency services • TfL Director of City Planning attends regular liaison meetings with ES’s • The design of the 2-way cycle track would allow access to “blue light” vehicles
• Bus stops • All bus stops are designed to allow small vehicles to pass when buses are stopped (i.e. not HGVs) Benefits for economy, health and safety
Cleo Kenington, NHS • The Streetspace Plan will enable a green and inclusive Consultant in Emergency & recovery from COVID-19 with benefits from increased General Surgery active travel and reduced traffic “TfL and the Mayor’s London • Sustainable economic regeneration: boosting local Streetspace plan has the town centres, reducing traffic to free space for potential to improve the health essential traffic, freight and servicing and wellbeing of our patients, which is why myself and 120 • Health and wellbeing: reducing health inequalities other doctors and health
28 through increased opportunities for physical activity, professionals are supporting reduced exposure to air pollution and noise and these changes” reduced social isolation from severance from main roads Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, • Safety: reductions in collisions between motorised 20 July 2020 vehicles and other roads users and delivering Vision Zero “Enabling more people to walk and cycle is key to a green • Environment: reducing exposure to air pollution and recovery for our city, and our the impacts of climate change related to extreme world-leading Streetspace for weather events leading to high temperatures and London plans will make a huge flooding immediate difference as staff return to work”
8 Cycleway 9 - Overview
We need a temporary alternative to public transport.
C9 follows the District Line from Gunnersbury to Kensington Olympia and is a key part of our Streetspace plan. Over 50,000 trips each day start or end at the stations next to Chiswick High Road. This is also an important bus corridor.
There is already a section of temporary cycle route between Goldhawk Road and Kensington Olympia (delivered by LBHF) and more people are cycling since lockdown. 29
"The Cycleway 9 scheme between Kensington Olympia and Brentford will be accelerated with temporary measures." 6th May 2020, Mayor of London Press Release
Key objectives for TfL / LB Hounslow C9 temporary scheme: • Coordinate with C9 Permanent scheme • Provide a safe and attractive cycling experience for diverse audience • Deliver quick and low-cost temporary changes • Minimise adverse impacts on buses C9 - “The missing link"
"We really want to see change on this road as soon as possible.“ Leader of LB Hounslow 30
LB H&F pop-up cycle track (installed)
"Quietway“ style route (installed)
Kew Bridge junction under construction (permanent scheme)
Connecting cycle routes to local town centres 11 Challenges along the High Road
There were a number of design challenges for the scheme along the high road:
• Space constraints as we are looking to work within the existing kerblines where as the permanent scheme design took footway space to increase lane
31 capacity, particularly at junctions
• Maintaining all the bus stops, while allowing traffic to pass stopped buses within the existing footprint of the carriageway
• Maintaining parking and loading provision where possible to serve local businesses
Chiswick High Road – under construction Construction progress 32
Expected to complete works in December 2020 What do the next few months look like?
• Public feedback from TfL and Sustrans website, shared with TfL / LBH project team • Engagement with key strategic stakeholders • Localised tailored engagement –both virtual and socially distant • Asking Londoners: 33 • What do you like? • What don’t you like? • What’s your experience? • How could it be improved? • Make changes, permanent or remove?
Permanent C9 works at Kew Bridge restarting in late 2020 / early 2021 Contents AIR QUALITY ...... 2 BUSINESS IMPACTS ...... 3 CONSULTATION ...... 3 CYCLEWAY 9 ...... 5 CYCLISTS’ BEHAVIOUR...... 8 DISPLACEMENT ...... 9 EMERGENCY SERVICES ...... 9 FUNDING ...... 11 FUTURE SCHEMES ...... 11 HAMMERSMITH BRIDGE ...... 11 PETITION ...... 13 PUBLIC REALM ...... 13 RATIONALE ...... 13 REVIEW ...... 17 SAFETY ...... 19 SIGNAGE ...... 19 SOUTH CHISWICK LIVEABLE NEIGHBOURHOOD ...... 20 WORKING WITH NEIGHBOURING COUNCILS ...... 21
34 AIR QUALITY
Q.1) What is being done to monitor pollution levels and air quality on roads with high traffic flow?
A: We are using our existing network of air quality monitors, augmented by data provided by neighbouring boroughs where necessary, to understand any changes in pollution levels in recent months in the vicinity of street space schemes. Details of our monitoring network are available at www.hounslow.gov.uk/airquality .
Where we do not have suitable available primary data we will look to commission diffusion modelling – this uses mathematical models to predict likely changes in air quality levels on any given street on the basis of changes in traffic flow etc. In places where air quality is not currently being monitored, we are happy to explore adding such sites to our network. There are some sites (such as Hogarth roundabout) that are TfL assets and so in this instance, their involvement would be required.
Q.2) What benefits in terms of reduced pollution, improved air quality for children and the elderly will the low traffic neighbourhoods bring to Chiswick?
A.) Road closures can have an impact on pollution through encouraging drivers to rethink the journeys they make. This can lead to people using different modes, using different routes, travelling at different times or not making a particular journey. This can assist in reducing car trips and therefore pollution. This concept has been observed and documented in academic studies and is referred to as “traffic evaporation”. An influential piece of research back in 2002 (Disappearing Traffic – The Story so Far. Cairns Atkins and Goodwin, 2002. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Municipal Engineer 151 March 2002 Issue 1 Pages 13 -22,) looking at 70 case studies concluded: “When pedestrianisation schemes or wider pavements or cycle lanes or bus (and other priority vehicle) lanes or road closures are introduced, pre-scheme predictions of what will happen are usually excessively pessimistic. In practice, it is rare that schemes result in a significant deterioration of traffic conditions. Traffic levels can reduce by significant amounts, with the average being that perhaps 11% of the traffic on the treated road or area cannot be found in the area afterwards.”
Q.3) What is being done about idling vehicles and the pollution they cause?
A.) The council has put in place a traffic management order to be able to enforce against idling, however our ability to do so is complicated by the need to get the DfT to approve necessary signage on a site by site basis. The council is currently collecting evidence required to justify approval of these signs and residents who have concerns about a particular location should email [email protected].
35 BUSINESS IMPACTS
Q.4) What does the council say in response to the claim that the changes are having a negative impact on local businesses, for example on Turnham Green Terrace?
A.) The current arrangements are trials that have been brought in in response to emergency statutory guidance issued by government. They have been brought in to protect public health and create the space necessary for business to safely reopen. In some cases, these schemes may have a role to play in meeting wider and longer-term policy objectives such as around Air Quality and Climate Emergency. We are looking to feedback from businesses as part of our consultation which can then be fed into our review process. We are also exploring other data sources, e.g. transaction data from Mastercard, to be able to better understand overall impacts on commerce across the last few months. The council acknowledges that there are strong and sometimes diverging views on this matter. There is a full and proper process in place to assess the impact of those measures post trial commencement, and further consideration by decision makers on the matter will take place in due course in the light of this evaluation.
Q.5) Previous engagement with traders
A.) The council has contacted all businesses impacted by these proposals, alongside residents and other stakeholders. We have received a number of communications from businesses which we are feeding directly into our interim reviews.
Q.6) Will there be future engagement with local businesses?
A.) Following the interim review further engagement is planned, including dedicated sessions 8ith impacted businesses where appropriate.
Q.7) Will compensation will be offered to local business?
A.) Compensation is unlikely to be available following changes made to the highway, however other grants and reliefs may be available for businesses impacted by changed trading environments in the last few months. Further information available on our website: https://www.hounslow.gov.uk/homepage/197/information_for_businesses
Q.8) Why does it make sense for visitors to be denied the opportunity to park in pay and display and spend locally in Chiswick?
A.) The council has not prevented access by car to Chiswick Town Centre, in total we have only suspended around 5% of total parking stock. Chiswick Town Centre is therefore accessible to people by a wide range of modes.
CONSULTATION
36 Q.9) A new Commonplace survey has just closed on the 8th November which asks residents to comment on the future of their town centre - can the council confirm that should the latest survey reveal significant opposition to the changes they will listen to the residents and reverse the measures already implemented?
A.) Through the review process, being undertaken by an independent consultant, the council will be taking a range of matters into account when determining the future of Streetspace schemes. Feedback from stakeholders will be an important part of that process.
Q.10) Will LBH extend the consultation period on the LTN closures currently in place as the traffic situation is obviously distorted by COVID measures, and will they wait until consultation is completed before putting the threatened next measures in place?
A.) The council will consider the findings of the review process and determine the best approach on each individual scheme. This could be to extend the trial if that is deemed an appropriate response after proper consideration of the review's findings.
Q.11) How does the council respond to criticism surrounding the consultation process for these schemes, and what is the consultation plan going forward?
A.) The council has implemented scheme in Phases 1 and 2 of our Streetspace programme in line with government guidance requiring us to deliver projects 'as swiftly as possible', further clarified to mean 'within weeks'. This requirement precluded widespread pre-trial commencement consultation. However, we are undertaking a consultation on every scheme in tandem with the trial. Feedback from this will be an important part of the review process and the council will be undertaking further engagement as part of the review process and also ahead of the implementation of any future schemes, in line with recommendations of the revised DfT guidance.
Q.12) What is the council’s view on the enforcement of the new restrictions with respect to charges imposed on residents through Penalty Charge Notices?
A.) The council has sought to enforce the new restrictions proportionately and has carefully considered any challenges made to PCNs when received. All residents and businesses in Chiswick were advised by letter of restrictions being introduced and this was further communicated via social media and our website. The council does not want to issue PCNs, it wants people to adhere to the rules of the road.
Q.13) Do you accept that the past approach using Commonplace is flawed given your view of the future?
A.) The commonplace engagement exercise was intended only to gather initial ideas for action on the network from the public ahead of a consultation in tandem with trials. In this respect the tool worked well and provided an effective mechanism for people to clearly highlight areas of concern.
Q.14) Why did the last consultation completely ignore the major issues facing and destroying this community which is road closures?
A.) This is assumed to relate to the future of town centres consultation. This was an open consultation requesting feedback on a wide range of issues and respondents were free to leave comments on any matter they deemed of consequence.
37 Q.15) You say that so many changes were made in W4 because people engaged more. In that case, the overwhelming desire on Devonshire Road was that it be left open. Why did you close it?
A.) The decision to restrict access to Devonshire Road was not just based on feedback to the commonplace engagement but also an assessment of risk in respect to public health. Areas with relatively narrow footways with active frontage and on through routes into town centres were considered potential high risk, hence why space was reallocated from vehicles to pedestrians.
Q.16) The Streetspace feedback is very flash but it's almost impossible to view other peoples comments and engage with them. What is the council’s view?
A.) The primary consultation route for feeding back on the schemes through the review process would be via the Citizenspace consultation tool.
Q.17) How do we ensure that consultation is free and fair?
A.) The council has used multiple channels of communication to encourage those affected by Streetspace schemes to make their views known. In addition to our standard Citizenspace consultation portal, we have operated map-based interactive feedback on our website using Commonplace software, have made press releases, and have included an article in the council’s free boroughwide newspaper explaining how readers can let the council know their views.
Q.18) Should a thorough audit, survey and consultation of the neighbourhood should be considered before any temporary or experimental changes are put into place?
A.) The council has implemented schemes in line with the law and the guidance issued by central government and the Mayor of London in order to safeguard public health and tackle the immediate impact of the pandemic on the transport network.
Q.19) How have the councils reached out to the less able in our community? Where are the Equality Impact Assessments for these schemes?
A.) As described in answers to questions above, the council has sought to invite as many people as possible to share their views on the operation of Streetspace schemes. No Streetspace measures have been implemented before first passing scrutiny for compliance with equality impact assessment requirements. Where this scrutiny has revealed a need to carry out a full Equality Impact Assessment (EIA) this has been carried out. EIAs are live documents and are reviewed throughout the experimental periods, taking into account any representations received. Irrespective of whether or not an EIA is in place, if the council receives any representation (be it from an individual or from appropriate umbrella organisations representing those with protected characteristics) relating to allegations of inequality then the relevant Streetspace scheme(s) will again be scrutinised by for compliance with equality impact assessment requirements before any decision is taken to make a scheme permanent.
CYCLEWAY 9
38 A number of questions were received about Cycleway 9. This is a TfL led project and they have provided the following Statement.
I am writing because you have contacted us about the temporary changes we have introduced to help people walk and cycle on the section of Chiswick High Road between Wellesley Road and Goldhawk Road. Information about the temporary changes is available on our website.
I want to say firstly that we acknowledge the temporary changes we have introduced to Chiswick High Road have caused some problems initially. The disruption to traffic flow in the local area has been caused by a combination of the construction of the temporary improvements, and some additional works being undertaken by Thames Water in the area. Work to build the temporary changes will be complete by 18 December. We expect that when both our own works and the Thames Water works have completed, traffic flow will settle and improve.
We will be monitoring the effects that the temporary changes have and we also want to continue to hear your feedback, good and bad, about the changes.
Listening to your concerns
Even though construction of the changes is still ongoing, we have already made some changes to the scheme in direct response to the issues you and other people have raised. These are:
Following local complaints, we acted quickly to remove some incorrectly installed signage at Dukes Avenue. We wanted to take this opportunity to apologise again to anyone who was inconvenienced and to thank those who brought this to our attention We introduced a new loading bay in the market place section of Chiswick High Road, to give local businesses an additional loading and unloading facility We plan to introduce a new loading bay between Mayfield Avenue and Cranbrook Road, again to give local businesses an additional facility For a short period of time the right turn from Chiswick High Road into Chiswick Lane was temporarily banned. The turn will be reinstated as soon as the traffic signals have been upgraded.
We will continue to listen to all the feedback we receive. We explain below how we’ve made it easier for people to give us their comments. Where we believe that a alteration to the temporary changes would help to resolve an issue raised by local, we will act accordingly.
New bus stop ‘bypasses’
We know some people are concerned about the changes we have made to bus stops on Chiswick High Road. Specifically, we have introduced bus stop ‘bypasses’; these make it possible for us to provide a safe and continuous protected cycle track for people cycling. There’s more information about them on our website. Some people have told us they are concerned about the safety of people using the new stops. Others have made clear they are disappointed that in some cases the bus shelter is some distance from the stop.
Bus stop ‘bypasses’ are in place in several locations across London, including Blackfriars Road, Stratford, Oval and Whitechapel, and were first introduced in 2014. Following their introduction we worked closely with organisations such as the Royal National Institute of Blind People, Guide Dogs, Transport for All, Age UK London, and the London Cycling Campaign to commission independent research to understand how people walking and cycling would interact with each other at these
39 stops, and how disabled people would feel using them. This research helped us to refine and improve the design, for example by including mini-zebra crossings to make clear to people using the cycle lane that pedestrians have priority.
We provide shelters at bus stops wherever and whenever possible, including at bus stop ‘bypasses’. We are exploring as quickly as we can whether it might be possible to provide some form of shelter at the new bus stops temporarily. We will write to you again as soon as we have further information about that.
Engaging with stakeholders
We have already discussed the temporary changes we are making to Chiswick High Road with the emergency services, local councillors and at the Chiswick Area Forum.
We know local people and other stakeholders want to speak to us directly about the temporary changes and we want to make that possible. We will write again shortly with further information about what steps we will take to enable local people to speak to us.
Continuing to listen to you
Your feedback is enormously important. Together with our monitoring, your comments help us to identify any issues that the temporary changes might be contributing to, which we can address. We will also use your feedback, together with our monitoring data, to help us decide which temporary schemes should become permanent additions to London’s walking and cycling networks.
We want to make it as easy as possible for you to tell us your views and so we have set up an online feedback form, through which you can record your comments.
Our email address [email protected] will remain open, however we will not be able to respond to individual emails. If you have a question about the changes we are introducing, you may find our online Frequently Asked Questions useful. If you have a question that isn’t included, please contact our Customer Services department.
40 CYCLISTS’ BEHAVIOUR
Q.20) What can be done about cycling on the footway and across zebra crossings?
A.) This is something that we will raise with Met Police who have responsibility for enforcing against cyclist riding on footway. It should also be noted that there is a team of dedicated Met Police officers funded by TfL who undertake enforcement operations on the capital’s Cycleway network. These enforcement operations include enforcing rules for all road users. Once Cycleway 9 is completed, dedicated enforcement of this nature will be available in Chiswick which should also assist in improving behaviour of road users, including cyclists.
Q.21) Does the council plan to provide any kind of training, information or guidance to help Chiswick residents to understand how to use the new cycleway along Chiswick High Road safely? This applies to cyclists, drivers and pedestrians
A.) Once Cycleway 9 is completed dedicated enforcement of this nature will be available in Chiswick which should also assist in improving behaviour of road users, including cyclists. Wider communications to promote the scheme were anticipated associated with the permanent scheme, however this will need to be revisited in line with available resources post COVID-19.
41 DISPLACEMENT
Q.22) What do the council say in response to the claim that road closures have only moved traffic elsewhere, rather than reducing it?
A.) The street space programme is being progressed in line with Government and Mayoral guidance which supports the closure of roads in ‘residential areas’. In general this is taken to mean roads which are not classified (i.e. carrying an A or B number). In some cases this may lead to variations in traffic volumes on other roads in the area.
Research suggests this can be a temporary outcome. Following changes in the network, some drivers will choose to travel at different times, on different routes, by different modes or indeed may not make the trip at all. This can reduce the impact of displacement over time.
This concept has been observed and documented in academic studies and is referred to as “traffic evaporation”. An influential piece of research back in 2002 (Disappearing Traffic – The Story so Far. Cairns Atkins and Goodwin, 2002. Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Municipal Engineer 151 March 2002 Issue 1 Pages 13 -22,) looking at 70 case studies concluded: “When pedestrianisation schemes or wider pavements or cycle lanes or bus (and other priority vehicle) lanes or road closures are introduced, pre-scheme predictions of what will happen are usually excessively pessimistic. In practice, it is rare that schemes result in a significant deterioration of traffic conditions. Traffic levels can reduce by significant amounts, with the average being that perhaps 11% of the traffic on the treated road or area cannot be found in the area afterwards.”
These changes take time to articulate themselves on the network and hence why Streetspace schemes are generally proposed for a minimum of 6 months. The impact of the scheme on surrounding roads will be closely monitored through the review process.
The cabinet report from 20 October put forward a range of additional potential Low Traffic Neighbourhoods across the borough that could be looked into over coming years. These schemes could help ensure that displacement between residential areas is minimised.
Q.23) Why should commercial vehicles have to cause more road congestion and suffer delayed deliveries by being forced to divert from their direct routes into Goldhawk Road and Acton Lane?
A.) One of the objectives of the Streetspace programme is to encourage drivers of motor vehicles to stay on the main road network to as close as possible to their destination. This applies equally to commercial vehicles. All Streetspace schemes retain access for motor vehicles to reach premises, but this may require drivers to follow a less direct route than before.
EMERGENCY SERVICES
42 Q.24) The ambulance service told the Council not to put in hard barriers at junctions. Why did you ignore them?
A.) In general emergency services colleagues prefer restrictions that apply to general traffic but not to vehicles running under blue light operations. Such approaches rely on camera enforcement arrangements, rather than through the use of ‘hard’ barriers. As a consequence, the council has sought to apply a blend of schemes.
Whilst the council does not need the approval of Emergency Services prior to implementing changes, we have committed to work with them to address any concerns they may have as far as practicable.
The council is also working with TfL and a pan-London forum of Emergency Services representatives to understand general concerns with temporary road space changes and opportunities to mitigate these.
We will reconsult with the Emergency Services as part of the Final Reviews before any decision is taken to make a scheme permanent.
Q.25) What consideration has there been for emergency services and public transport during these road changes in Chiswick? Please give relevant data from your research.
A.) The council consults with both emergency services colleagues and bus operators prior to making any changes to the network, and will reconsult as part of the Final Reviews before any decision is taken to make a scheme permanent.
43 FUNDING
Q.26) Can the council provide details on the next tranche (Tranche 2) of funding to be made available through the Active Travel Fund?
A.) We are currently (Jan 2021) awaiting announcements on this following the conclusion of negotiations between TfL and DfT on the financial settlement for TfL in the second half of 20/21
FUTURE SCHEMES
Q.27) Do you plan to close Bath Road
A.) There are no current plans for any changes in Bath Road, Chiswick
Q.28) The new restricted traffic scheme for Devonshire Road is excellent. When will the council create a cycle lane to allow cyclists to travel down this now considerably safer street in a northerly direction from the A4 towards Chiswick High Road?
A.) Creating 2 way cycling on Devonshire Road has been identified as part of Phase 2 of the Streetspace programme and feasibility is currently being undertaken. Any changes are unlikely to be implemented however until a final decision is reached on the changes already made.
Q.29) Prebend Gardens – what is the plan?
A.) Prebend Gardens Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) is part of Phase 2b. The intent of the proposed scheme is to restrict through traffic in this area. Further feasibility is to be undertaken and the proposal will be subject to further engagement in due course.
Q.30) Can the council/officers suggest when LTN’s may be expanded to improve air quality and local liveable neighbourhoods?
A.) The council is undertaking a full review of all trial schemes. Feedback forms an important part of that, but we will also consider relevant data collected that allows us to understand, impartially, the impact of the schemes. Wider policy considerations will also be taken into account.
HAMMERSMITH BRIDGE
Q.31) What impact has the closure of Hammersmith Bridge had on traffic in Chiswick, across Chiswick Bridge and Kew Bridge and along the A4.
44 A.) In light of the number of variables affecting traffic patterns it is not possible to estimate how the closure of Hammersmith Bridge has affected traffic in Chiswick, across Chiswick Bridge, Kew Bridge or along the A4
Q.32) What is being done to get Hammersmith Bridge properly fixed. I know it is not Hounslow, but cars/bikes are clearly coming into Chiswick to get over the river.
A.) The Hammersmith Bridge Taskforce was set up by the Department for Transport in September 2020 to take over the project and work up solutions. The taskforce is chaired by Baroness Vere and includes representatives from TfL, London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, Network Rail, the Greater London Authority and the Port of London Authority. In October, TfL announced that it will procure a temporary ferry service for pedestrians and cyclists that will be in place by “early 2021 at the latest”.
45 PETITION
Q.33) How does the council respond to the petition of local residents that asks for the schemes to be to removed?
A.) The council has currently received 3 petitions relating to the Streetspace programme. One calling for a road to be closed in Isleworth, one objecting to the trial scheme in Park Road/Staveley Road and one asking for more consultation on schemes in South Chiswick. At borough council on 10/11 a petition was virtually handed in by Cllr Hearn calling for all street space schemes implemented in Chiswick since April to be removed. This is currently being processed by democratic services and will be referred to the lead member for consideration in due course, likely as part of the process of considering responses to the consultation that is currently underway. Other petitions currently in train but not yet submitted will also be considered in the same way. The council understands the concerns raised by signatories to the petition and would like to reassure those people that all street space schemes are genuine trials, subject to ongoing consultation over several months and 2 rounds of interim reviews by an independent consultant to establish impacts. Public feedback, including petitions of this nature, are an important input into the review process.
PUBLIC REALM
Q.34) Are there plans to increase the frequency of road sweeping to remove slippery leaf litter, as this poses a serious hazard to cyclists and pedestrians?
A.) All Streetspace schemes implemented across the borough are maintained under our PFI contract. This includes cleansing and sweeping of any litter and leaves. The leaf clearance programme is currently underway dealing with the most problematic areas of leaf fall. Extra resources are deployed to help keep the streets clear of leaves between October and January in addition to the fortnightly cleanse where operatives will remove leaves as part of their day-to-day street cleansing activities.
RATIONALE
Q.35) What is the overall aim/justification of the access restrictions and other changes taking place in Chiswick?
A.) The objective of the Hounslow Streetspace programme is to provide more space for people to be able to observe social distancing, allowing people to safely access schools, jobs and services across the borough. This is in order to safeguard public health. It also aims to constrain growth in car travel through restricting through traffic on non-principal roads, and therefore create safer, healthier, and more pleasant environments for walking and cycling. This is considered to be
46 particularly necessary at this time given the very significant reduction in the capacity of public transport services, and concerns by users for their safety as a consequence of the pandemic. If even a small proportion of people who previously travelled by public transport switch to car, traffic levels would rise enormously. Getting trips to instead be made by foot and by bike is therefore considered a key tool in keeping London moving. As noted in the government guidance, this may also feed into wider policies, e.g. tackling the climate emergency or air quality.
Q.36) What is the justification for closing Turnham Green Terrace as a through route?
A.) The trial closure of Turnham Green Terrace as a through-route for motor vehicles (except for buses) sought to reallocate road space to pedestrians, to aid social distancing and to encourage retail premises to operate from the temporarily widened footway (eg with tables and chairs).
Q.37) How do access restrictions allow social distancing?
A.) By suspending parking bays and reducing traffic volumes this increases the amount of the highway that can be used for pedestrians walking and queuing, hence assisting in helping people to observe social distancing. By creating more space for pedestrians on the highway it also provides opportunities for businesses to reopen safely (e.g. by managing some queuing outside their premises). In some case businesses have taken advantage of this space through applying for trading licences.
Q.38) What evidence did Hounslow Council have that the residents of Chiswick were using their cars unnecessarily, and how much through traffic actually was there?
Before the pandemic, many car trips in London were short distances. About a third of all car trips could be walked by most people in under 25 minutes, and two thirds could be cycled in less than 20 minutes. TfL have identified that traffic on London streets reduced dramatically, at the height of the lockdown, and in turn, London’s air pollution fell in some areas by up to 50 per cent. We estimate that almost half (45%) of the car trips made up and down TGT in Feb 2020 had no origin or destination within a km of the road. Around 900 vehicle trips a day (12%) on the road were making trips that were less that 1km in length. By comparison school holiday traffic is typically only around 5% less than term time traffic. So we know there is scope for a change in behaviour amongst Londoners to reduce the amount of short trips and this would not just have immediate environmental benefits but also free up road space for those who have less choice in how they travel.
Q.39) Is it true that Hounslow Council has imposed more road closures and parking restrictions in Chiswick than in any other part of the Borough?
A.) No, Streetspace schemes announced to date across Phase 1 and Phase 2 are dispersed across the borough, roughly proportionate in number in each of the regions covered by the council’s area forums. It is the case that more of the early schemes were based in the east, this was skewed however by the work we had already started on the South Chiswick Liveable Neighbourhood being accelerated under the Streetspace programme.
Q.40) What does the council say in response to claims that connectivity throughout the borough is being reduced because of closures on Turnham Green Terrace and Fishers Lane?
47 A.) The closure of TGT and Fishers Lane is primarily a public health intervention to enable social distancing. However, they also contribute towards supporting people to travel by foot and by bike whereas previously they may not have felt comfortable doing so because of volume of traffic. In both cases the geometries of the road do not readily allow for dedicated cycle infrastructure to be introduced and traffic continue as per normal. During the discussion on Cycleway 9 it was a point often made that improved east-west links for cycles do not necessarily make the high road more accessible for local people, and north-south connectivity was also necessary to consider. Reductions in volumes on some of these routes through active traffic management may be necessary if that connectivity is to be realised. The reduction in traffic volumes on TGT should also speed up connectivity by bus (something that will be explored further in our interim review). It is acknowledged that connectivity by private vehicle has been constrained and the council is taking feedback on the impact of this through the trial as part of the accompanying consultation.
Q.41) Why did the ‘Access Only’ signs at the top of Devonshire Road - at its junction with Chiswick High Road - not include access for the residents of the Glebe Estate, who normally access their homes via Devonshire Road? (By continuing to allow residents direct access to their homes would have meant less congestion on Chiswick High Road - tailing back from the Turnham Green Terrace and Chiswick Lane lights.)
A.) Granting some drivers exemptions from signed traffic restrictions is something that the Council is currently trialling at several locations in the borough. Once the results of these experiments are known we will be able to decide whether making exemptions from more restrictions (such as that in Devonshire Road) can be explored.
Q.42) You have shut off a large number of parking spaces by Chiswick Police Station to provide social distancing. However, the flower market has been held twice since that time and a large number of people were gathered in that area. This seems counter to your strategy.
A.) Less than 5% of parking space in the town centre have been suspended, and these measures are currently being reviewed. The flower market was a private event put on, compliant with government guidance.
Q.43) Question for TfL - Chiswick appears in the top 5% for cycle use in London and is the highest in Outer London - why do you feel here is a need to encourage cycling here?
A.) The rationale for investment in this corridor is covered in the cabinet paper of the 3 September 2019.
Q.44) Is it the job of TFL to improve our health?
A.) All public sector agencies have to consider health impacts when discharging their duties.
Q.45) Why haven’t you closed Hounslow High St? Is it like the poll tax?
A.) Changes to Hounslow High Street were part of Phase 2a of the Streetspace programme.
Q.46) How is it fair to basically create private estates for part of Chiswick residents whilst we pay the road tax for use of these roads and get their increased traffic and pollution?
48 A.) The council is trying to balance the requirement to reduce through traffic on residential roads whilst being mindful of the need to minimise inconvenience to residents as far as practicable. All roads remain open to pedestrians and cyclists.
Q.47) Why would I now buy an electric car?
The council has not restricted access to town centre, or any residential area, by car. Electric Cars are therefore a useful way for many people to get around, particularly for trips that are not suitable to be made by walking or cycling.
Q.48) what measures are proposed in order to effectively and comprehensively enforce speed restrictions across Chiswick?
A.) Enforcement of speed limits is the responsibility of the Met Police.
Q.49) The Secretary of State doesn't support 'hastily implemented schemes'. Given concerns raised, should all Chiswick schemes be removed?
A) All the street space schemes implemented in Chiswick have been progressed in line with the law and the guidance issued by the Secretary of State and the Mayor of London in May. These schemes have been informed by public engagement undertaken in May/June and the experimental traffic orders (“ETOs”) are subject to an objection period post-implementation. We have a thorough two stage review process for these schemes that is currently ongoing, with interim reviews for most schemes being completed and available before the end of the year. In the case of Cycleway 9 it is worth noting that the project is an evolution of one that started many years ago and has been through several rounds of consultation and engagement. Supporters of the scheme would be unlikely to say that this lengthy process could be described as 'hasty'. The statutory guidance was been updated last week and the council will be complying with this in respect to the progression of future schemes.
Q.50) Does your planning experience consider the needs of the whole or just a select sector? Please explain.
A.) The council needs to balance a wide range of considerations when progressing any scheme or initiative, and (like TfL) it has undertaken a balancing exercise. We have put in place a robust post- trial commencement process and a two-stage review procedure undertaken by an independent consultant to help ensure any schemes progressed are meeting their objectives.
Q.51) Should road planning be standardised in every area or should be specific to needs of that community/locality?
A.) The council needs to balance a wide range of considerations when progressing any scheme or initiative, including local context as appropriate.
49 REVIEW
Q.52) Is there funding to reverse these changes?
The council would expect funding to be forthcoming under future rounds of the street space programme to make changes to trial schemes, be that to make them permanent, amend them or remove them. In the event that such funding is not forthcoming, and the council takes the decision to remove the scheme, the funding will be provided from existing council budgets as appropriate.
Q.53) Will restrictions be re-imposed on Turnham Green Terrace?
The restricted access scheme on Turnham Green Terrace has been suspended following the closure of Acton Lane to facilitate emergency Thames Water works. These works are due to finish 20/11, however given there will still be disruption caused by the ongoing construction work for Cycleway 9, and the fact that the interim review process currently underway is due to complete in the next couple of weeks, the council does not propose to reintroduce this restriction immediately and we instead await the completion of that review process.
Q.54) How are the schemes being assessed, and when will a decision be made regarding the future of the schemes?
The council has a difficult role in seeking to balance a wide range of aspirations for how our road network performs for a disparate range of users, and against wider policy and legal frameworks. The schemes brough in to date are in line with emergency statutory guidance issued by the DfT, however we have always stated our desire to submit these to a robust process of review, undertaken by an independent consultant. This review will consider a range of criteria as set out in the 20/10 Cabinet report:
Compliance with wider policy objectives
Feedback received from residents and businesses - https://haveyoursay.hounslow.gov.uk/traffic-and-transport/streetspace- feedback/consultation/intro/
Traffic count data against baseline, where available. This includes sharing data with Ealing.
Assessment of INRIX GPS data (Feb 2020 vs September/ October 2020)
Changes in walking and cycling observations where available, safety data where available
Footfall and commercial transaction data from O2/Mastercard where available
Air quality data.
Feedback from residents and business is an integral part of this process.
50 Once the review process is complete, we will assess the summary of data provided by the independent consultant and provide officer recommendations on this for consideration by lead member. It is expected that there will be a mix of outcomes based on the evidence. Some schemes will likely be removed, some amended, some made permanent. In some cases, further time may be gathered to gather more data. Residents will be contacted when the reviews are complete.
Q.55) What is the timetable for the review and consultation on the Streetspace Programme?
A.) There is a partial calendar on our website currently and this is currently being updated.
Q.56) Do you agree with Cllr Curran, that adding 5 minutes to a car journey time is acceptable? If so would you say adding longer, much longer, is unacceptable?
The council must try and balance a range of outcomes when determining traffic management measures. Impact on car users is certainly a consideration. What is, and is not, acceptable will depend on the balance of outcomes associated with each individual scheme. Officers will do their best to make recommendations with due regard for the wider legal and policy frameworks and these will be further considered by elected members.
Q.57) How many council staff in favour of these schemes live in Chiswick?
A.) Council staff involved in delivering Streetspace are drawn from a wide geography. Many live near or visit Chiswick regularly.
Q.58) Was the Queen stuck on CHR two weeks ago? Yes or No?
A.) The council has not received any official communication from the Palace on this claim.
Q.59) Who is the 'independent traffic consultant'?
A.) Steer.
Q.60) When is the interim review of the barrier on Staveley Road happening?
A.) In accordance with central government’s guidelines to introduce measures as quickly as possible, the Streetspace measures in south Chiswick were installed incrementally between July and December upon completion of each element’s design. The staggered implementation means that the duration of the experimental period during which we allow traffic patterns to settle down before deciding whether to retain, modify or remove each intervention becomes open to debate. Some consider that each intervention should have its own experimental period, whereas the view of the experts within, and advising, the council is that the effect of the experiment cannot be assessed until the effects of the final element (the “access only” restriction on Strand-on-the-Green & Thames Road) have had time to become established. This means we are not planning to review whether the Staveley Road barrier should stay, be removed or modified before March.
Q.61) How valid can data be in assessing the effects of the Streetspace measures on the traffic network whilst construction on Chiswick High Road is not complete and emergency waterworks on Acton Lane are ongoing?
51 A.) The council will look to factor in the impact of extraneous impacts on the network through the review process.
Q.62) Please can you tell us how the previously dangerous junctions with Fishers Lane and Chiswick Common Rd (a rat run for Uber drivers and residents to access Sainsburys and CHR going West) will be altered to maintain the current level of safety which has long been missing - especially as there is a playground and sheltered housing on both sides.
A.) This will be considered as part of the review process.
Q.63) What steps will be taken to improve the access/egress to Turnham Green Station?
A.) This will be considered as part of the review process.
Q.64) Will the council consider making Fisher’s Lane one-way southbound, and Turnham Green Terrace one-way northbound?
A.) The low bridge on Fisher’s Lane means bus routes that use double-deckers need to use Turnham Green Terrace in both directions.
Q.65) Do you study any of the Government statics on resident population and diversity in relation to planning needs? Please explain how you have done so in Chiswick area.
A.) The council takes into account a wide range of data in coming to decisions about road space management including local demographic data as available and as appropriate.
SAFETY
Q.66) Will Hounslow Council take legal responsibility if a fatality happened and this was purely down to the fact that the required emergency vehicle was unable to reach their destination due to complete gridlock on Chiswick High Road and surrounding roads?
A.) The council is satisfied that best practice in assessment of safety element of highway schemes has been followed in all circumstances.
SIGNAGE
Q.67) What does the council say in response to concerns about inadequate signage?
A.) The council is limited in the signage it is able to erect on the highway, which is stipulated under guidance issued by DfT. This limits the options we have for how we present the restrictions that are in place. The signage we are enforcing against is compliant with these guidelines. It has been brought to our attention that some of the optional advance directional signage is not fully
52 compliant. This will be corrected in due course, however it should be noted that officers have deviated from the strict wording of the restrictions in order to help make the change as clear as possible rather than any attempt to mislead or confuse. Signage as part of these trials, is kept under review.
Q.68) With regards to the blue badge symbols on the signage at the entrance to Turnham Green Terrace, how does the Council justify and continue giving illegal penalties, given the incorrect signposting for access, and poor signage for loading and disabled parking, in accordance with your own traffic order?
A.) The signage for this scheme is being kept under review. It is currently suspended.
SOUTH CHISWICK LIVEABLE NEIGHBOURHOOD
Q.69) Why is this scheme splitting up Grove park and entrapping residents?
A.) The South Chiswick Liveable Neighbourhood programme started in 2019 and was subsumed into the Streetspace programme in May 2020. The intent of the programme is to restrict through traffic moving through the area. The interventions are specifically targeted to achieve this, whilst seeking to inconvenience local residents as little as practicable. For example, the closure of Hartington Road northbound includes measures that allow access through this closure for residents in the CPZ zones immediately adjacent thus limiting the detour those residents need to do. Based on our experience with ANPR, trying to put in place a virtual gated community around South Chiswick would have been technically and administratively prohibitive. Through the trial process, and our engagement with residents, it may be that this approach has a wider role and could be employed further in due course.
Q.70) The Grove Park LTN does not tackle rat running. It merely moves it all to Burlington Lane turning that from a relatively low traffic and safe school road into a major through road. Why have you done that?
A.) The scheme seeks to cut through traffic in the whole of Grove Park by reducing the time saved by drivers vs staying on the A316 and accessing the A4 at Hogarth roundabout. Displacement onto Burlington Lane will be monitored as part of the review
Q.71) Can the council clarify its enforcement strategy in regard to this scheme? Specifically, why does camera enforcement not use CPZ and DVLA data to monitor road users?
A.) ANPR systems to manage vehicle access are a relatively new approach on roads in the borough. They are currently used on a number of School Street schemes and also to restrict access to Heston Services for accredited Highways England staff only. These existing cameras usually work on an individual basis, capturing vehicle number plates past a particular point. In the School Street example, a ‘whitelist’ is maintained for vehicles owned by residents who live within the zone, who are permitted access during the times the road is closed to other traffic. The database for operation of the ‘whitelist’ is separate from the CPZ database, these are two entirely different systems. The CPZ permit database is integrated into the council’s MIS system for management of permit
53 applications and payments. The two system are currently not compatible. It should also be noted that there are a number of residents within the respective CPZ areas who park off the highway and therefore have not registered for a CPZ permit, however they would still be eligible for inclusion on the ‘whitelist’. Therefore, even if the two systems were compatible, additional registration would still be required.
WORKING WITH NEIGHBOURING COUNCILS
Q.72) What steps are being taken with neighbouring councils (Ealing Council, Hammersmith & Fulham Council) to better plan for better traffic flow in Chiswick? Is there a shared vision for road use, traffic flow and preferred journey types? Does the council consider the impact of LTN measures taken in one area on the neighbouring areas?
A.) The council has engaged with neighbouring authorities as appropriate on Streetspace schemes, including on Fisher’s Lane and Turnham Green Terrace The shared vision is that we all have to be cognisant of the emergency statutory guidance issued by DfT and Mayor's Transport Strategy.
54 Instructions for the public toAgenda Item 7 access committee meetings
Due to current guidance, Committee meetings are being held remotely with all participants joining via computer. Microsoft Teams is the solution and meetings are viewed using the application.
The options are: • iPhone or Android phone: Guide for mobile
• PC: use this direct Microsoft link to download (installs without needing admin access). If you decide not to install the app and have a modern browser (Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome), you can join via the browser instead.
Use a PC to view meeting
1 Go to the meeting link in the calendar 2 Select the Agenda frontsheet
3 Click the Join link 4a If you have Teams, 5 Select Join anonymously app, select Teams and Open link
4b Using browser, select Watch on web instead
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6 Wait for the meeting to start 7 When the meeting finishes, click Leave Use a mobile device to view meeting For iPhone / iPad
1 Tap on the App store icon 2 Type the word Teams in the 3 Tap the Teams app Get button search box
For Android phones / tablets
1 Press Play Store icon 2 Type ‘Teams or Microsoft Teams’ in the search box
3 Tap on download
All phones / devices
4 Select the meeting 5 Open the Agenda frontsheet 6 Tap the Join link from the calendar
7 Press Join as a guest 8 Enter a name and tap Join 9 Wait for meeting start
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Once the broadcast ends, tap on Leave Agenda Annex Chiswick Area Forum: Open Forum Questions
You can now use this pro-forma to raise an issue at a meeting and/ or to provide suggestions for future topics or presentations you would like to see discussed at future meetings of this Area Forum.
Your Name ......
Your Organisation (if any) ......
Please provide (full) preferred contact details (eg; email address)
……………………………………………………………………………………
……………......
Please provide details of the issue to be raised and/ or any topics or presentations you would like to see discussed at future meetings:
Please return this notice to: Chaspal Sandhu, Chiswick Area Forum Clerk
By email at: [email protected] or [email protected]
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