New Segregated Cycling Route Proposed for Boston Road |
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Plans would lead to the loss of 140 parking spaces
October 2, 2024 Ealing Council is beginning a consultation on proposals for more segregated cycle routes across the borough including a scheme in Hanwell. It is seeking to boost the proportion of residents that cycle regularly from the current level of just 10%. More than 1,000 residents responded to Ealing Council’s Cycle Network Plan consultation last year and many said that there aren’t enough safe cycling lanes in the borough. The council says that development in the area means that traffic in the area will increase and road capacity is limited therefore alternative transport options need to be offered. In the next phase of its Cycle Network Plan the council is proposing a protected cycle track on Boston Road in Hanwell. A new 2-way cycle track would run along on the south-west side of Boston Road, between Boston Manor Station and Elthorne Park leading to a shared pedestrian footway / cycle track, 5.6 to 6.4 metres (about 6-7 yards) wide, between Elthorne Park and the existing road narrowing just north of Humes Avenue, with short lengths on the eastern side for access between crossings and side roads. New parallel pedestrian/cycle zebra crossings would be added at Cambridge Road, Oaklands Road, Elthorne Park, Chepstow Road, and Haslemere Avenue. Where space is limited, narrower shared footways would be provided to link streets and crossings, and where this is not possible (between Studley Grange Road and Lower Boston Road), all cycling to be on-carriageway. The changes would mean the loss of 83 all-day residents’ parking bays and 57 spaces on single yellow lines. Access to off street parking would be retained and the council says that ‘most’ of the houses in the area have driveways plus residents can also park on the other side of the road, which is in Detailed maps of the Boston Road plans are available here. You can share your views via an online survey on the proposed plans by Friday 18 October. There are also two exhibitions on the Hanwell plans at the following dates and times: 8 October from 3:30pm to 7pm, St Thomas Church Hall, 182 Boston Road. 10 October from 3:30pm to 7pm, William Hobbayne Community Suite, Lower Boston Road. Similar schemes are being proposed at the same time for Park Royal Road and Acton Lane in North Acton.
Councillor Peter Mason, leader of Ealing Council said, “If we want to keep the borough of Ealing green, healthy and safe, we need to work together to change the way we travel around. We are heavily investing in improvements around the borough to support this, making it easier, safer and much more enjoyable to travel actively and sustainably when possible.” Councillor Paul Driscoll, the council’s cabinet member for climate action, said, “These proposed changes will significantly improve cycle safety in these areas, and improve traffic flow in Park Royal, allowing more people to enjoy the benefits of cycling while freeing up space for those who rely on public transport or cars for mobility or caring reasons. “Before we make any changes, I’d like to encourage you to share your views so we can understand how to make these improvements in the best way, causing minimal disruption, and ensuring the cycle lanes are fit for purpose for those who will be using them.”
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