Whitton Road Public Realm Improvements Public Consultation 1. What are we proposing?

The Borough of is proposing public realm improvements on part of Whitton Road. One of the proposals is to introduce a 20mph zone to improve road safety whilst also enhancing the look and feel of the road for residents and visitors. The Council’s proposals were developed following a feasibility study and we would now like to know your views and any practical suggestions to improve them.

2. Why are we proposing this?

Over the years Hounslow’s town centre has suffered a decline in commercial viability as a drop in customer numbers has caused many shops to close down. The town centre and transport hubs are vital assets for all those who live, work and spend leisure time in the borough, so the Council is improving pedestrian and cycling links from key transport hubs to the town centre, as well as the surrounding public spaces. Improvement works have already begun in the town centre and these proposals, for a section of Whitton Road between the centre and Hounslow Railway Station, form another important part of our planned investment.

3. Which section of Whitton Road is included?

The proposals are for the section of the road stretching from Hounslow Railway Station towards the town centre, ending at its junction with Road. They include Hanworth Terrace and all side road junctions within this section of Whitton Road.

You have been sent a summary of the proposals, however more detailed plans can be viewed online at www.hounslow.gov.uk/consultations and paper copies may be requested by emailing [email protected] or calling 020 8583 3322.

4. Summary of key changes n Introduce a 20mph zone n Improve the street scene and “declutter” the footway by removing unnecessary street furniture n Improve pedestrian crossing facilities by adding a Zebra crossing and providing additional raised junctions to help with crossing the side roads n Improve road safety and encourage more walking by narrowing roads, introducing waiting and loading restrictions, and providing wider footways with resting places along the route n Remove certain inadequate stretches of cycle lanes, widen cycle lanes on Hanworth Terrace, and introduce new shared spaces for cyclists and pedestrians n Plant street trees where it is possible to do so 5. How to respond

We would welcome your comments on these proposals either by returning the enclosed questionnaire, using the freepost envelope provided, or emailing [email protected] using the subject line ‘Whitton Road’. Please return all comments by Friday, 17 April 2015.

6. Find out more

If you would like to view the proposals in more detail with Council staff present, please come along to one of the following public exhibitions: n Wednesday, 25 March 2015, 4pm – 8pm, Studio 700, Hounslow Library (Treaty Centre, High Street, TW3 1ES) n Thursday, 26 March 2015, 10am – 2pm, Studio 700, Hounslow Library (Treaty Centre, High Street, TW3 1ES)

7. Next steps

A summary of the consultation and the preferred design option will be taken to the Central Hounslow Area Forum in May 2015. Subject to approval by your local Councillors at this meeting, construction work is expected to begin in July 2015.

Narrow footways to be widened Wide side road junctions to be narrowed

Narrow, sub-standard cycle lanes to be removed Improved public spaces Whitton Road junction with Station Road – Location of proposed Zebra crossing

Traffic & Transport Department London Borough of Hounslow Civic Centre, Road Hounslow TW3 4DN [email protected] www.hounslow.gov.uk