The trial program in the Tory minister Greg Hands’ constituency that aimed to prevent residential roads from being used as shortcuts was met with criticism. It was thought that this move would gain support and further the party’s pro-car stance.

However, he is now caught up in a contentious and divisive discussion within his Chelsea and Fulham district, as some Conservative members are opposing efforts to reduce traffic and implement eco-friendly communities.

Nick Smith, a constituent, stated: “I terminated my membership with the Conservative party approximately one year ago and submitted my membership card to their central office. This was due to one specific issue.”

According to Smith, his neighborhood, which used to have poor air quality, has undergone a significant change. He recalls how, in the past, he would open his door at 6:30am to the chaotic scene of traffic, with cars honking and people getting out of their cars to engage in heated arguments.

The Chelsea and Fulham constituency has a new boundary at the next election and is a Labour target. Winning the seat would represent the point at which it would become the largest party in a hung parliament, according to a recent analysis.

Hammersmith and Fulham council’s clean-air traffic measures do not physically block streets, but instead use cameras to enforce restrictions and discourage drivers from using smaller residential roads as shortcuts. This has caused dissatisfaction among certain businesses, who claim it has resulted in a decrease in business, but has received support from numerous residents. In December 2021, the South Fulham east neighborhood project was made a permanent fixture. On Friday, the council released a report suggesting that a similar trial project, the South Fulham west project, which was implemented in February 2023, also be made permanent.

During the trial period, there was a decrease in average traffic volume on residential roads and certain major arterial roads compared to the period before the trial (March 2022) and after (March 2023).

Opinium, a market research company, surveyed individuals in the designated area and found that 59% of them were in favor of decreasing traffic from outside the area by utilizing local streets as shortcuts. The company also held an online survey for residents and businesses in the borough, where 52% of participants agreed with the idea of reducing traffic from outside the area using local streets, while 59% of businesses were against it.

According to Hands, who serves as both the trade minister and minister for London, a survey conducted by him last year revealed that 70% of residents do not approve of the schemes. He also stated that he has received numerous complaints from businesses and residents regarding the negative effects on the area. “Businesses report a decline in customers due to increased traffic congestion.”

Hands stated that he did not possess a vehicle and relied on public transportation within the borough. However, he believed that the plan was poorly planned and suggested that the council should revisit their ideas. He expressed doubt that people would base their voting decisions in the upcoming general election on their stance regarding traffic schemes.

A representative from the Hammersmith and Fulham council stated: “The experiment was created by local residents with the goal of addressing a longstanding issue of traffic congestion and pollution in the area near Wandsworth Bridge Road. This issue was worsened by the growing use of GPS navigation devices by drivers.”

Source: theguardian.com