Trains on time, but what about motorists?
by Hammersmith and Fulham Press Office
22/09/2008
A series of major public transport improvements are ready to open in the borough after years of construction work.
New tube and overground stations, better rolling stock and more bus routes will help to get things moving especially around Shepherds Bush, which will become home to Britain’s second largest shopping centre from the last week of October.
When Imperial Wharf Station overground station opens in Fulham the north and south of the borough will be linked by overground trains for the first time.
The good news for public transport contrasts with the fate of west London drivers as council bosses warn that Transport for London (TfL) must do more for motorists who have to endure London’s most clogged-up streets.
Hammersmith & Fulham (H&F) already has the most congested roads in Londonand without urgent action – particularly around the Westfield London shopping centre – roads will become more gridlocked, warns the council’s Leader.
Cllr Stephen Greenhalgh, says: “We are very pleased that, with the council’s help, these important new public transport improvements have the green light to open. But TfL must not forget about west London’s drivers and the council will continue to press TfL for urgent solutions. For example, the council is working up a scheme that will improve the traffic flow at the junction of Fulham Palace Roadand Hammersmith Broadway and benefit all road users and we want to ensure that TfL provides the funds to deliver it.”
TfL’s own research proves that a staggering 7.6 million hours were lost in traffic in H&F. And the council Leader has warned that without action, on issues like the phasing of traffic-lights and better north-south routes, drivers will be left further behind.
70,000 extra visitors are expected to flood into Shepherds Bush every week when the shopping centre opens and the council has challenged TfL to take action now before it’s too late.
Cllr Greenhalgh said: “It has been a long and at times difficult journey to get these transport links finished and we cannot allow TfL to take the same length of time to sort out our roads.”
The council is planning a Transport Summit later in the year to thrash out a range of transport related issues.
