Ealing Labour has today called for Transport for London and Network Rail to rethink proposals that could see level crossings in Acton closed as part of works on the West London Orbital (WLO) project.
Ealing Labour supports improving public transport routes across the borough, however, it believes those improvements must not come at the expense of local communities who rely on existing transport routes through Acton.
The TfL consultation on the project provides an opportunity to look at alternatives to closing the level crossings in Acton, before any final decisions are taken.
Ealing Labour are calling on TfL and Network Rail to commit to:
- No permanent closure of the Acton Central or South Acton level crossings.
- Meaningfully engage with local communities before any decision is made.
- Invest in alternative crossings where necessary, rather than simply diverting traffic onto neighbouring roads.
Cllr Peter Mason, Leader of Ealing Labour, said:
“Ealing Labour supports better local rail connections and we want to see the project succeed. But better public transport should not mean making life harder for the people who already live in Acton.
Residents and businesses use these level crossings every day, closing them risks pushing traffic onto already busy roads, creating longer journeys and disconnecting local communities.
TfL and Network Rail need to properly look at alternatives to closing these crossings, and to put the needs and concerns of local people at the centre of the project”
Cllr Dominic Moffitt, cabinet member for climate action, added:
“Acton needs better transport connections, but it also needs roads and pavements that work for local residents.
We want to work with TfL and Network Rail to find a solution that boosts investment and brings better transport to Acton while protecting the interests of local residents and existing transport connections that support local communities.”