THE Chiswick temporary cycle lane will remain in place for at least six more months, despite local councillors' concerns about a lack of scrutiny.

Following concerns from residents about safety and traffic caused by a loss of two-lane sections, a new design to the temporary route has been approved by Hounslow Council's cabinet.

The plan includes restoring two-lanes of traffic on three sections of the route and will provide spaces on side roads to allow for loading and drop-off.

It also includes alterations to junctions designed to prevent collisions between cyclists and cars.

Deputy leader Lily Bath said: "This just the beginning and it's not the end, it's a live scheme.

"This will allow further feedback and any new concerns that people have that will allow it to shape the scheme."

The two-lane cycle route, segregated from traffic, was built along part of Chiswick High Road in December 2020.

It came as the government and TfL encouraged councils to promote active travel, hoping to discourage an increase in car use during the pandemic.

The council approved a permanent cycle route through the borough in 2019, but TfL consultation on its exact design were paused due to the pandemic.

Reservations about the lack of scrutiny were raised in a letter to cabinet from councillor Ron Mushiso, who was part of a heated discussion at the council's last Overview and Scrutiny Committee on July 13.

Cllr Mushiso complained that concerns about safety, pollution and accuracy of TfL's figures were 'not dealt with' and called for a further scrutiny committee meeting.

The council was 'unconstitutional' and could damage the reputation of the borough by preventing him from saying TfL had pressurised the council into the scheme, he added.

The meeting was also briefly interrupted by Conservative councillor for Turnham Green, Joanna Biddolph, who complained that two members of the cabinet had failed to declare they were members of campaign group Hounslow Cycling.

Cabinet member Guy Lambert admitted he joined the group 'only for the rides' and denied it had any influence on his decision making.

Referring to the new order for the cycle route, he said: "It's clear that there's been some congestion there.

"It was right that we should take on board some of the concerns of residents and pressure groups and offer an improved scheme.

"I'm sure that the very pleasant area that is Chiswick will be further enhanced by a better version of cycleway 9."