Ealing Council is consulting with residents a second phase of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTN), from this week (Monday, 1 March until Tuesday, 23 March).

The schemes include three new trial LTNs at Creffield Road North, Creffield Road South (both Acton W3) and Hamilton Road (Ealing W5).

These locations have been identified as areas experiencing significant levels of non-local traffic, including lorries and vans using these roads as short cuts, or are expected to see more traffic in the future.

The council is writing to all households within these proposed new trial LTNs with details of the new trial schemes and how to get involved with the consultation.

LTNs are designed to reduce the number of car journeys to create safer neighbourhoods so that more people can walk and cycle, rather than use the car for short trips.

The results of the consultation will be used to determine whether or not each trial LTN is introduced. And, if it is decided to proceed with the LTN, the council will write to residents living within the trial scheme in advance of any works taking place and provide residents with the another chance to provide their views on the design or operation of the LTN.

If the LTN is implemented, it is expected that the LTN would operate for a minimum period of six months to allow for settling in and behaviour change, but if significant problems arise the design can be amended or the Experimental Traffic Order (ETO) (used to implement an LTN) can be withdrawn prior to the end of the trial.

This decision will be made by ward councillors and cabinet members who will take into account a combination of factors including residents’ feedback, data analysis of air quality, traffic levels, and changes to walking and cycling levels.

Councillor Jasbir Anand, the council’s cabinet member for environment and climate emergency, said: “We are launching consultation on a second phase of active travel schemes to allow residents to have their say prior to implementation.

“We are pleased the government has decided to give councils more time to consult on schemes before the implementation in phase two and feedback from local people will help us shape these projects going forward before any final decisions on the schemes are made.

“We need to take the pressure off the public transport system, which is running at lower capacity, as part of our ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic. There is, of course also, a greater risk to health of travelling in an enclosed space.

“But, if those people who previously made their journeys on public transport now decided to jump in their cars instead, we’re going to exacerbate the air quality problems that we’ve already had for many years. Nearly 10,000 people were dying prematurely in London because of poor air quality.

“We are fully aware that local people have strong opinions on schemes such as LTNs, both for and against, which is why it remains vital that everyone has their say throughout the consultation and trial periods.”

Active travel schemes are part of an £20million Active Travel fund for London boroughs from the Department for Transport and Transport for London (TfL).

New cycle schemes are also being consulted on prior to implementation, including at Gordon Road East & West (Ealing W5), Boston Manor Road (Hanwell W7) and Park Royal (W3). 

There are currently nine LTNs being trialled in Ealing. Have your say on LTNs in the borough via the council’s Commonplace website. Find out more about LTNs via the council’s website.