Background
From late July 2020, Ealing and Hounslow councils improved access for pedestrians and cyclists at Fishers Lane by temporarily stopping general motor traffic such as vans, taxis and cars. Buses, cyclists and the emergency services are allowed. This will form part of a strategic cycle route eventually linking East Acton to Chiswick and to Cycleway 9 on Chiswick High Road.
One of the government’s recommendations for responding to the pandemic is to stagger commuting times, where possible. This improves safety on public transport, but applies equally to car journeys: South Parade and Acton Lane are not particularly congested outside peak hours.
The Fisher’s Lane closure was brought in at short notice when Hounslow closed Turnham Green Terrace to through private motor traffic, to prevent drivers from there diverting to Fisher’s Lane and making cycling conditions even worse than before. When Turnham Green Terrace reopened, Fisher’s Lane remained closed to general motor traffic, so that the improved conditions for cyclists, pedestrians, families and mobility aid users in the area, as a result of a quieter street, were kept. The closure was done on a trial basis for up to 18 months.
Signage was installed at key locations to warn drivers of the new restriction. Over 100 warning letters were issued to drivers disobeying the restriction, before fines started to be imposed in December 2020. As a result the number of violations has reduced over time, further improving cycling conditions.
There were reports of congestion on South Parade and Acton Lane after the closures of Fisher’s Lane and Turnham Green Terrace to through motor traffic. There were fewer after Turnham Green Terrace was reopened, but some continuing congestion was noted on Acton Lane. Congestion exceeding pre COVID-19 levels was predicted by the government, owing to reluctance to use public transport. Tactics to prevent and manage this include measures to encourage and facilitate active travel, such as this scheme. Initial congestion as a result of the closures is expected to reduce over time, as it takes time for people to change their habits, for example by rerouting, travelling at a different time of day, or using a different mode of transport. This pattern is backed up by academic research.
We are aware that not everyone can cycle, however in Ealing 65% of car trips originating in the borough are 5km or less, a distance that can be cycled in approximately 20 minutes. Similarly, 11% of car trips are 1km (two thirds of a mile) or less, which can be walked in 13 minutes. With more people turning to cars post-lockdown, it is all the more important that we act to prevent unnecessary car journeys. Electric bikes, now widely available, make cycling much easier and faster, and there are numerous other measures the council is implementing to further facilitate cycling, such as increasing the availability of secure bike parking (bike hangars) and rental bikes in the area, to solve the problem of lack of space to keep a bike.
Additional improvements to Fisher’s Lane are being considered, especially to the lighting.