Public consultation for the proposals for active travel improvements on Eastcote Lane and Dabbs Hill Lane

Background

The Eastcote Lane junction with Eastcote Lane North and Dabbs Hill Lane is a key area for cycling and public transport. Northolt High School, Northolt Park Baptist Church and Newcastle Court are some of the educational, cultural and residential buildings adjacent to the junction.

Traffic surveys on Eastcote Lane North have recorded speeding at the junction, which may pose challenges for people cycling. The junction currently has a single zebra crossing over Eastcote Lane, located away from preferred pedestrian routes.

Bus routes 395 and 282 have stops near the junction; however, pedestrian access to these stops is limited for individuals with disabilities.

The council’s policy is to build cycling infrastructure along main roads where there is enough space and funding, with priority given to routes that have important connections and are challenging conditions for cyclists.

Proposals

• 3 new parallel crossings are proposed for people walking and cycling, with raised tables, along Eastcote Lane and Eastcote Lane North to enforce priority for people walking and cycling
• new shared footways on every road around the junction with widths between 3 and 5 metres to serve people walking, wheeling, and cycling safely off the carriageway
• upgraded bus stops in Eastcote Lane with additional waiting areas, and relocated bus stops to give priority to buses over private vehicles
• more green spaces to attract people to walk and cycle in the area
• new rain gardens and sustainable drainage areas around the junction along Eastcote Lane and Eastcote Lane North to drain rainwater from the carriageway and footways
• 21 additional new trees will be planted in the area to increase shade on sunny days, clean the air, and enhance the public realm
• continuous pavements are proposed for Newcastle Court and other private accesses across the scheme, giving priority to people walking and cycling
• new benches are proposed for people to rest across the scheme

What impact will the proposals have?

For most residents and businesses, the impact of the proposed improvements should be minor.

The total net loss of parking will be one space.

Some pedestrian-only pavements will be shared with cyclists. Widths will generally be well above the recommended minimum.

The proposed design aims to slow down vehicles through Dabbs Hill by rerouting traffic in Dabbs Hill Lane from the existing road and through the opened existing dead end. This may increase the noise received by a small number of residents but the slower vehicle speeds will reduce or eliminate this potential issue.

What are the benefits of the proposals?

• making Eastcote Lane junction with Dabbs Hill Lane safer by introducing new controlled crossings over raised tables will increase the numbers of people walking to Northolt High School
• improving cycling infrastructure will increase the number of people cycling for short distances (for example to high school, sports facilities) or longer distances via a new cycle route passing through this location
• additional space for people waiting at bus stops, and relocation of bus stops, will give people using public transport priority over people driving private vehicles
• new green spaces with new trees will improve public spaces and help people in the area feel more relaxed
  • the proposed rain gardens will reduce rainwater in the drainage system, reducing the need for maintenance, and making flooding and sewage discharges less likely
  • the new planting will enhance biodiversity in the area
• new improved public spaces with benches, a smooth surface on footways and shared spaces, and lighting to increase safety at night
• reduction of vehicle speeds by introducing raised tables on Eastcote Lane and Eastcote Lane North, reducing carriageway widths, and creating a chicane on Dabbs Hill Lane
• the proposals are in line with Ealing Council transport strategies to encourage sustainable travel (walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport)

Plans

The design for the scheme is Eastcote and Dabbs Hill Lane plan

How can I give my feedback?

Please read this document carefully, look at the plan and consider the proposals. Have your say by completing our online survey

There will be a public exhibition about the scheme, where you can view the plans, ask questions and give feedback. It will be held at: Northolt Leisure Centre Library, Eastcote Lane North, Northolt, UB5 4AB on Tuesday 9 September, 3:30pm to 6:30pm.

The closing date for this consultation is: Sunday 28 September 2025.

What happens next?

The responses to this consultation will be analysed and reported to your ward councillors and the council Cabinet Member for Climate Action.

A decision will then be taken on implementing the scheme. If the scheme is approved, the design may be amended based on feedback received during this consultation.

Before implementation, the council is required to carry out a 21-day statutory consultation. This involves notices being placed on posts and lamp columns in the proposed area, and the publication of a notice in the Ealing Gazette.

This process is a further opportunity to comment on the proposals.