Peter Mason, Leader of Ealing Council visited Fisher’s Lane near Acton Green last week (24 September 2021) to see how active travel measures delivered in partnership with Hounslow Council are benefiting the local area.

The cycle route at Fishers Lane can be used by people of all ages and provides an important link for cyclists to get to other parts of the borough by bike. It is just one of a range of active travel measures recently confirmed by the council as it supports residents in choosing cycling, walking and scooting over shorter journeys in the car.

Councillor Mason said: “I’ve cycled to Fishers Lane this morning, which we’ve been working in partnership with Hounslow Council to deliver significant improvements to the cycle scheme and I’m happy to say that we’ve taken the decision to make it permanent.

“We’ve seen a huge, 140% increase in the number of people cycling in the area in the last twelve months and we want to make steps to support residents in getting on their bikes wherever possible.

“It provides a safe route for people of all ages, including children, to cycle or walk to local parks, schools and shops.“It also links four east-west routes from Chiswick to Acton and sees motor traffic removed from Fisher’s Lane except for buses. The benefits are clear not only for cyclists, but pedestrians and those using public transport too.

“However, it is not the only new initiative when it comes to supporting active travel and the council’s cabinet decided on number of active travel measures to be brought in.

“We’ve also confirmed 24-hour bus lanes along the Uxbridge Road, cycle schemes in Church Road and Gordon Road and the introduction of a redesigned low traffic neighbourhood (LTN) at Hamilton Road.

“The council is also continuing to expand cycling provision, with six schemes made permanent last month, including a key cycling route along the Uxbridge Road. There are also plans for a comprehensive cycle scheme at Boston Road as well.

“We’re also pressing ahead with five new, permanent School Streets schemes to add to the ten already in place . We have also confirmed LTNs in Adrienne Avenue and the Montague & Deans Road LTNs are being retained permanently.

“Since I became leader in May, I promised to lead an open, transparent and inclusive council and put local people in control of their neighbourhoods.

“Following a review of traffic and air quality data, alongside careful consideration of responses to our recent consultations, we’ve also confirmed the end of trials in some other parts of the borough.

“We remain committed to active travel, but if we are going to achieve the kind of change we need to tackle the climate crisis we know we must take local people with us and be honest about what works and what does not.

“In the weeks ahead, we will be asking you to join a big conversation about how we do that, learning the lessons of the implementation of these schemes and establishing a charter for active travel to set out standards of how we do it in the future.”

All decisions by the council’s cabinet are subject to call-in.