Healthy Streets Coalition, a travel campaigning coalition group in London has revealed that according to its latest scorecard, Ealing ranks 19th out of 33 London boroughs based on a number of factors including how many residents cycles, own cars, 20mph zone, implementation of controlled parking zones, traffic free school streets and promotion of sustainable travel to school.
In its top level Healthy Streets Scorecard, the Healthy Streets coalition which includes groups such as London Cycling Campaign, Sustrans and London Living Streets says much more work is needed by Ealing Council across the borough.
It claims there is a high pedestrian casualty rate and a low cycling rate, with just 3% of residents cycling five times per week.
Click here to read the Ealing scorecard.
In its report, the group says: “There is a huge amount for Ealing to do. Following the removal of most of its Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) (credit is due for the installation of the Deans Montague LTN, the small part of LTN21 that was put back), it needs to now get the LTN programme started again. With only three new LTNs in four years, the pace of change is too slow.”
It added: “It is encouraging that Ealing is installing the Southall to Hanwell protected cycle track, although it’s noted that it’s not being built to plan. In addition, Uxbridge Road has a small section of cycle lanes with wands, but the lack of enforcement of this designated lane massively reduces its usability and the perception of safety. There has been no increase in total protected cycle track in the previous 4 years, which is in contrast to neighbour Hounslow.”
In a series of tweets as a response, Ealing Council leader Councillor Peter Mason said: “The 2022 @HSscorecard results are in, and after only a year, we’ve moved up a place ahead of neighbours Brent and Hounslow. We’re now top 5 for outer London Boroughs. We pledged at least £35m into active travel over the next four years, & today we’re announcing the more projects.”
He added: “We may have been behind the pack in the league tables before now, but the trajectory is onward and upwards. Starting with the launch of our Travel in Ealing Charter later this summer. It will set out what residents can expect from the council, so that all of our future work on active travel will be done with communities, working together, for healthier streets and healthier live. No more unsustainable, top down impositions and a lump it or like it attitude. Learning from all the best there is out in the active travel world to secure consent for change.”
