Labour Ealing Council's decision to introduce a trial ban on traffic turning left from a road has sparked a row in the borough.

A council spokesperson said that a six month trial ban will be introduced for traffic turning left from Longfield Avenue onto Uxbridge Road, near the Town Hall, and on turning right from Uxbridge Road onto Longfield Avenue.

The spokesperson added the decision has been made on the grounds of safety and easing congestion, with the six-month ban is expected to begin in February.

Based upon information from TLF and the police, she said: "There have been a number of accidents at this junction, including two in recent months where pedestrians were seriously injured.

"To make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists and reduce rat-running by drivers we are introducing a six month trial ban on traffic turning left from Longfield Avenue onto Uxbridge Road and on turning right from Uxbridge Road onto Longfield Avenue.

"When Longfield Avenue was temporarily closed to traffic for five months during roadworks in 2013 and 2014, the impact on local roads was minimal with only an extra four cars per hour using St Leonard’s Road during the morning peak.

"We will however monitor traffic levels, as well as road safety throughout the trial before deciding whether to make the changes permanent."

Backlash

But the move has sparked an angry backlash from Conservative councillors and residents.

A spokesperson from Ealing Conservatives argued the proposal would increase pressure on remaining routes, claiming it will prompt increased queues at St Leonard's Road, Springbridge Road and on the road past Ealing Broadway Station.

The spokesperson added that it could lead to drivers executing U-turns in the Uxbridge Road toe overcome banned turns.

Gregory Phelan, who has lived on Gordon Road, which joins Longfield Road, for 25 years is concerned the road outside him home will become congested.

Retired Mr Phelan said: "Gordon Road is not a main road it is a residential street with a 30 mile per hour speed limit and the council are not taking that in to account."

According to Councillor Alex Stafford, who represents Ealing Broadway ward, Labour council have failed to listen to concerns from residents.

He said: "Once again the Labour Council is running roughshod over the views and opinions of local residents.

"Just like with the forced introduction of wheelie bins to the area, views are at best being ignored and at worst being forced on people without full and proper consultation, either with the Ward Councillors or the local residents."

'Completely unacceptable'

Councillor Seema Kumar, who also represents the Ealing Broadway ward, said repeated calls for the council to reconsider had been rejected, saying: "Listening to residents’ concerns does not come easy for this Labour Council.

“Repeated requests urging the officers to reconsider and be reasonable were rejected saying the scheme is going to go ahead. We support our residents and a proper dialogue needs to take place. Listening to residents’ concerns does not come easy for this Labour Council.”

But the council maintained that comments from the public are welcome.

Susan Dean, chair of GRASS Resident Association who represent households in Ealing, voiced her opposition to the move accusing the council of being "undemocratic."

She said: "To impose closures without any consultation is undemocratic; a discussion would highlight the residents’ concerns and help to achieve a reasonable compromise

"We believe that these proposals without any consultation or survey are completely unacceptable.

"The trial should not proceed until it has been properly thought through and the officers have discussed it with the Ward Councillors and the local community."