Councils in Stand Off Over Swyncombe Avenue
Hounslow asking Ealing for collaborative approach to traffic restrictions
Traffic on Swyncombe Avenue at the junction with Boston Manor Road
Hounslow Council has considered blanket traffic restrictions on vehicles entering Swyncombe Avenue from Boston Manor Road if Ealing Council is unwilling to consider including Swyncombe Avenue in one of its Low Traffic Neighbourhood Schemes (LTN) according to an email sent to a local resident.
LTN21 in West Ealing is widely believed to be responsible for increased congestion on Swyncombe Avenue which is in the London Borough of Hounslow.
An email written by a Hounslow Council employee and posted on social media, says that a request has been made to Ealing Council for a ‘collaborative solution that addresses both eastbound and westbound traffic movements’. This would involve incorporating Swyncombe Avenue into LTN 21.
The email states that if this proposal is not accepted Hounslow would then unilaterally impose a ban on all vehicles entering Swyncombe Avenue from Boston Manor Road from the end of May. This restriction cannot be implemented any earlier because major highway works are due to take place on Windmill Road during May.
Hounslow Council have stated subsequently that they will make any decision in collaboration with Ealing.
One local resident commented, “Hounslow look set to go nuclear on this because Ealing’s LTNs are displacing traffic into their area. My guess is the sticking point is the sharing of data, cost and revenues relating to the ANPR cameras that will be needed to enforce restrictions if there are resident exemptions. It may be very complicated to allow residents of one borough to have an exemption from another borough’s scheme.”
Depending on the outcome of Ealing Council’s review of LTN21 which is due to take place later in the year, Hounslow Council will consider trialling a ‘No entry except buses and permit holder restriction’ for all motor vehicles entering Swyncombe Avenue from Boston Manor Road.
Hounslow Council consulted residents earlier this year on possible access restrictions into Swyncombe Avenue from Boston Manor Road.
The proposal was to limit access to buses and permit holders living in the borough of Hounslow on parts of Boston Manor Road, Boston Farm Cottages and Swyncombe Avenue.
Victoria Lawson, Executive Director of Environment, Culture and Customer Services at Hounslow Council, said, “We are aware of residents’ concerns regarding Swyncombe Avenue, and Hounslow Council has committed to work collaboratively with Ealing Council on ways to reduce traffic levels in this road.
“There are plans for temporary restrictions as part of the Windmill Road major works later this spring. In terms of longer-term traffic management we have been clear we are committed to working with our neighbours at Ealing Council to develop a solution to protect our local communities.”
To have your say on any of Hounslow’s trial Streetspace schemes click on this link or email the transport team on traffic@hounslow.gov.uk.
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April 16, 2021
