Concerns Raised About Ambulance Access to LTNs
Paramedics unable to reach man found collapsed on Leighton Road
Paramedics unable to reach man collapsed in road. Picture: Christina Fox
London Ambulance Service paramedics were unable to get to a man who collapsed in an Ealing Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) this Sunday (30 August).
Unlike London Fire Brigade, staff have not been issued with keys to unlock the bollards placed between the planters where roads have been closed. When a 999 call was received after a man was found unconscious in an alleyway on Leighton Road, the ambulance managed to get close to the scene but found its way blocked by the new barriers.
The paramedics told witnesses that it meant that they took an extra 25 minutes to get to the scene. They said if it had been a more serious incident then that delay would have been life threatening.
Local resident Christina Fox said, “While I broadly support the LTN I am very concerned that should a family member need an ambulance, they could die waiting.
“While the gap between the raised beds is big enough for the fire brigade and ambulance vehicles. That is of no consequence if the ambulance staff do not have a key.”
Ambulance blocked by the barriers. Picture: Christina Fox
An Ealing council spokesperson said: “All emergency services carry keys to unlock width restrictors, bollards and gates on local roads as standard. We are supporting local emergency services by delivering additional keys to ensure that staff have them wherever needed.
“We consulted fully with local emergency services on each LTN proposed across the borough and at least three weeks before installation and feedback were used to amend and strengthen the resulting plans. No formal objections have been raised around the safety of residents associated with any part of the initiative.
“It remains vital that we act now to create a borough that is easier and safer for people to walk, cycle, and use wheelchairs, buggies and scooters as alternatives to using public transport. We need to allow people to socially distance and work to avoid a spike in motor vehicle use as we come out of lockdown.
“We are encouraging everyone living in an LTN to share their views and help us shape the initiative going forward. They have the chance to comment throughout the initial six-month trial and again in a consultation after this period."
A protest by residents against LTNs is planned on Saturday, 12 September 2020 at 2pm. Demonstrators will meet at the Quadrant, Little Ealing Lane and walk together to the Lido Junction on Uxbridge Road, via Northfield Avenue. Organisers say this will be a peaceful protest to highlight to Ealing Council the concerns they have regarding the LTNs and the need for immediate consultation. This forms part of a London wide protest which is occurring across London Boroughs on the same day.
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September 3, 2020
