Better roads and pavements, new walking routes linking parks, improved towpaths and boosts to cycling are just some of the planned benefits of a £28.3million package of spending agreed by the council.
At a meeting of Ealing Council’s cabinet on Wednesday, 17 April, councillors approved the plans which aim to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution, to improve road safety and to make it easier for residents to choose healthier walking and cycling options.
The multi-million pound investment includes plans for improved roads and pavements in each of the borough’s 7 towns. There are also exciting new walking routes planned to link parks in Northolt, improvements to the canal tow path in Hanwell and Perivale and work to make a better, more connected town centre for Greenford.
More than £5.5million will be used to repair or resurface roads and footways that have been prioritised following an independent survey of the borough’s roads. There will also be a focus on flood prevention measures, including rain gardens and more street trees to help with natural drainage.
Encouraging and supporting safe active travel forms a central part of the plans with £1million to be spent on delivering the next phase of the Uxbridge Road cycle lane. The council is also planning to deliver more cycle parking to add to the over 100 cycle hangars already installed in the borough and to run more cycle training programmes. Some of the £28m will also go towards more school streets and school travel initiatives to help children to get to school safely.
Residents of Southall and Northolt should see almost £7million spent in their areas, as the Visions for Northolt and Get Southall Moving schemes continue.
The plans also include a new pilot programme to test out ways of making the borough’s streets less congested and more pleasant to walk and cycle through, including in West Ealing and East Acton. These plans are being co-designed with local residents and there will be full consultation before any changes are made.
‘Healthier, safer and better-connected’
Council leader, councillor Peter Mason said: “We’ve been clear on our ambitions to create a healthier, safer, and better-connected borough. We need to evolve the way we think about roads, streets and pavements and help residents to reclaim and repurpose these spaces. This £28million cash boost is a huge step to achieving this.
“We are currently developing a new longer-term transport plan that will move us towards more sustainable transport. In line with our commitment to active travel, we want to encourage people to walk, wheel, cycle, run or use public transport. Ease and safety are a fundamental to the success of our plans and will be at the heart of decision making.
“We will use our Travel in Ealing Charter, which residents helped to create, to ensure all views are considered and there is consultation with residents and businesses before any changes are made to local roads.”
‘Bold and ambitious’
Councillor Deirdre Costigan, deputy leader of the council and cabinet member for climate action, added: “We’re spending £28million on a bold and ambitious programme to create better, safer streets where there is a balance between all road users. We’re resurfacing roads, repairing potholes and planting more street trees and wildflowers to reduce air pollution. But we’re also changing the way we think about our roads so everyone can benefit from them.
“From young people who can now walk to school because of our 28 school streets, to workers who can cycle to their job safely and cheaply using our new bike hangars and segregated cycle lanes, we’ve already shown we’re serious about transforming the lives of our residents.
“We’re now going even further by working directly with local people to come up with ideas to make our streets more than just places we pass through but spaces we can truly enjoy, whether for a walk, to sit and chat or even to play.”
