Yep. this is the reality of democracy in London. A number of zealots promote the dangerous phallacy of traffic evaporation. What it means that the reduced road space means fewer vehicles can move from A to B. But that is largely because of increased congestion and queues. Take Hammersmith Bridge. Zero traffic there, but every other bridge sees a traffic increase, although capacity restrictions and delays mean some people give up or make alternative journeys. So Putney, Chiswick and Kew bridges all see more traffic, as do approach roads. If you use these bridges or live nearby, you experience more traffic. Yet you will be told traffic has 'evaporated'. It is an astonishing lie.Then they wonder why bus speeds keep falling every year. So we get more bus gates and more 'priority' schemes, that create more queues (think Kew bridge), and buses get stuck in these queues. Or they remove bus lanes to lay cycle lanes.....The 'year or two' to play out' is the truly scary part. What level of congestion and pollution is acceptable on the surrounding roads, how many businesses shut, before we can make an informed view? Remember there is nothing in place from either TFL or Hounslow to stop all the traffic that comes into our local areas from the A4. Nothing, so they will rely on queues and slower journeys to deter that. These schemes are a disaster that will change the nature of Chiswick forever. They do not in any way account for the needs of local residents or traders, but prioritise buses and cyclists heading into and out of central London. If you want to move north or south, dont even try.
Paul Green ● 2252d