Controversial Town Centre Road Changes To Become Permanent

Council says independent review shows safety's improved around Longfield Avenue

A controversial road trial banning left turns from Longfield Avenue in the town centre and which made £230,000 in fines for the council in the first three months, is to be made permanent.

Under the scheme it's a traffic violation to turn left out of, or right into Longfield Avenue at the junction with New Broadway.  

Drivers who break the restrictions face a penalty charge notice of £130 (reduced to £65 if paid within 14 days).

The council say that results from an 'independent review'  showed a marked improvement in road safety, with no accidents occurring over the trial period.
 
It's claimed congestion in Longfield Avenue has been significantly cut, with a 64% reduction of traffic to steady levels throughout the day. The balance of traffic in the local area has improved, with the measures discouraging rat-running through local residential streets and traffic flow now directed to more suitable roads nearby.
 
This section of Uxbridge Road forms an important part of several bus service routes serving Ealing and surrounding areas. The council say the report noted improved bus journey times and reliability along Uxbridge Road in both east and west directions.
 
The council also say they have worked to help drivers avoid getting tickets wherever possible and the number of fines last month is down by almost half compared to the monthly average handed out  last winter. There are currently 21 road signs in place to make road users aware of the traffic measures and the council is looking to additional signage to further alert drivers of the turning bans. Changes to waiting restrictions have been made in St Leonards Road to help improve the capacity of this junction.
 
Cllr Bassam Mahfouz, cabinet member for transport leisure and environment said: “We began this trial as part of our ongoing commitment to improve road safety for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists in the area.
 
“We’ve acted on recommendations from the independent review to make this decision and the facts clearly show that the banned turns on Longfield Road have improved road safety and eased congestion on the junction. Congestion around Longfield Avenue has been eliminated and the junction is now safer and used by pedestrians more frequently.
 
“We have worked to educate drivers about the trial and ensured that extensive signage has been displayed around the junction. As a result we have seen a reduction in the average number of fines being issued.”

5th October 2017