Residents in East Sheen have been invited to have share their thoughts on proposals aimed at reducing the impact of traffic on residential roads.

Traffic between Richmond Park and the Upper Richmond Road West has increased due to more road users taking alternative routes on residential roads from Sheen Gate in Richmond Park to the South Circular along Upper Richmond Road West.

Cllr Alexander Ehmann, Chair of the Transport and Air Quality Committee, said: “The volume of through-traffic in this part of East Sheen has always been high.

“The closure of Hammersmith Bridge has intensified many of the issues, with some drivers using smaller residential roads as rat-runs in attempts to beat the traffic that is using more suitable routes.”

Previous measures like traffic management restrictions that were introduced in 2018, as well as the permanent closure of Hammersmith Bridge and other experimental options have all contributed to increased traffic on the Borough’s residential streets.

Despite the measures reducing measures by ten per cent – Richmond Council have introduced proposals for a new ‘low traffic neighbourhood’ scheme that would balance the movement of traffic.

According to Richmond Council the low traffic neighbourhood will encourage traffic to remain on appropriate roads whilst stopping drivers from using residential roads.

Richmond Council are also aware that future proposals runs the risk of creating further challenges as the more effective measures introduced to deter people ‘cutting through,’ - the more local access is impacted.

The Council is presenting a series of proposals for residents to consider.

Every proposed package consists of coordinated measures that have been designed to ensure that pass- through traffic will be heavily restricted and all displaced traffic is kept on appropriate routes.

Each package contains several advantages and disadvantages and the Council is keen to hear from residents their view on each proposal.

Cllr Ehmann concluded: “The Council heard the concerns of local residents about the very real impact that this traffic was having on many people’s lives and it has drawn up a range of proposals aimed at decreasing instances of rat-running through the area.

“Expert officers of the Council have analysed traffic management options and have created four sets of interventions for consultation.

“We want to hear your views on these proposals, whatever your take on them.”

Around 3,000 residents have already been written to regarding the consultation, with a summary of each option.

Residents can have their say on the Council website before 27th September 2019.

The Council is also holding a drop-in session for residents on September 12 from 4pm to 9pm at:

All Saints Church,

East Sheen Ave, London,

SW14 8AX

There will be a short presentation on the proposals from Cllr Alexander Ehmann at 8pm – with the chance to ask him questions.

For further information visit:

https://haveyoursay.citizenspace.com/richmondecs/east-sheen