Hounslow Borough Council’s third Transport Local Implementation Plan (LIP3) sets out how the borough proposes to deliver the objectives of the Mayor’s Transport Strategy (MTS) locally. It is a statutory document, prepared under Section 145 of the Greater London Authority Act 1999 and includes Hounslow’s future transport objectives, a delivery plan and performance targets. More details are at: https://haveyoursay.hounslow.gov.uk/traffic-and-transport/hounslows-local-implementation-plan/
Hounslow Green Party has responded firmly to the council’s Transport Local Implementation Plan (LIP3). The local Green Party believes that the plan lacks the radical changes needed to make it easier to get around, encourage healthy travel and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Hounslow.
The Greens are calling for all journeys in Hounslow to be carbon free by 2030, with 80% of journeys walking, cycling or using public transport and the remaining journeys using electric cars or vans.
Tony Firkins, Hounslow Green Party co-ordinator, said “There is a climate change emergency and this plan does not reflect the urgent need for radical action. The October 2018 IPCC report ‘Global Warming of 1.5°C’ says that we need to cut greenhouse gases on an unprecedented scale to prevent catastrophic climate change. And we need to do this in a way that is fair to all countries and people.”
“The plans for a Hounslow Priority Cycle network are encouraging but don’t go far enough. We need to see a commitment to the target in the Mayor’s Transport Strategy (MTS) that 70% of residents should live within 400m of a strategic, high-quality cycling route. It appears that in many areas, such as Osterley and Feltham, this will not be the case.”
“Hounslow must be firm in its resolve to increase cycling in the borough and the plan should more explicitly support the new cycle path CS9 linking Hounslow to the centre of London, including the proposed route along Chiswick High Road rather than diverting to the A4.”
Victoria George, Hounslow Green Party’s campaigns manager, said “I take every opportunity to tell the council that local people feel unsafe crossing the A4, especially with children. Also, many of the side roads intersecting with it have inadequate crossings, which make using the cycle path hazardous, and walking, even from the bus stop to school, unsafe for children. We need better crossings and a 30mph speed limit on the A4.”
“‘Severance’ created by new developments is not considered in the plan. Many are ‘gated’ or have a perimeter fence. The planning permission process should actively discourage this and instead demand the provision of cycle and foot paths.”
“Finally, the plan makes the assumption, both for acquisition of funding and for planning purposes, that expansion at Heathrow is definite. If the council’s position remains “better not bigger” then the plan should outline an alternative vision based on a zero expansion scenario (or reduction), along with the council’s plans and reasons for opposing expansion.”
