Some of the controversial Streetspace measures introduced in Chiswick last year as part of the response to the Covid-19 outbreak are to be scrapped.

Hounslow Council has announced the reopening of Turnham Green Terrace is to be made permanent and the use of some parking bays to widen the footpath will end.

Loading and disabled bays will be retained as trial measures will be reviewed.

The trials at Bath Road in Hounslow West and Devonshire Road in Chiswick, where access for motor vehicles has been restricted, will be determined in the next six weeks following further local engagement to assess whether they should be removed or whether there is support for a community-led plan

The trial outside the George IV pub on Old Market Street in Chiswick, where the footway has been widened, will end.

Twenty-two Streetspace trials will progress to the Final Review, which is scheduled to be completed by the end of July, taking into account fresh traffic data collected outside of the last lockdown period to help accurately assess the impact of the measures

The changes follow an Interim Review by the council of the first phase of its Streetspace trials.

The council commissioned independent reviews of the schemes trials last October to assess their impact on traffic and feedback from residents and businesses.

Streetspace schemes were introduced last year at the government's request in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, to aid social distancing, promote cycling and walking, and reduce pollution.

Councillor Hanif Khan, Cabinet Member for Transport and One Hounslow, said, "We recognised that many residents feel very strongly about Hounslow's Streetspace trials and that's why it was important for us to listen, to show we're listening, and to commission these independent reviews.

"We need to be sure that the decisions we take reflect where the schemes are working well and where changes need to be made, and that we have heard both the facts and the voices of our communities.

"The decisions we've announced today make clear that – as I have said throughout - we are listening and making changes based on what we're hearing as well as what the traffic data is telling us.

"I want to thank every resident, councillor and business-owner who took part in the consultation, whether you were for or against the trial in your area, or somewhere in-between.

"By listening to residents and assessing the most accurate and up-to-date data, we are making sure our final decisions will be right for local residents and the wider borough.

"Many residents told us our online engagement meetings were particularly helpful, which is why we will begin a series of online meetings throughout the final review stage.

"We will hold these every 3 to 4 weeks, providing regular opportunities for residents to drop-in for the latest updates and raise questions as we progress towards the Final Review."

The Streetspace review reports will be available at www.hounslow.gov.uk/streetspace-review

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