Lib Dems Reassure Local Residents Over Tram Plans

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 15th Oct 2002

Transport for London will not be targeting residential roads as diversion routes when the Uxbridge tram is introduced.

Speaking at a local Liberal Democrat meeting on Saturday, London Assembly transport spokesperson Lynne Featherstone told Ealing residents:

"After discussions with Transport for London (TfL) about this issue, my understanding is that TfL has moved away from any plans to specify particular residential roads in Ealing as diversions when the West London tramway is built along the Uxbridge Road."

"If anything the reverse is true, with TfL intending to work with Ealing Borough on street management measures to discourage drivers from using residential roads as 'rat runs'.

"The whole point of the tram scheme is to reduce traffic levels. The tram can carry far more passengers and carry them far more quickly than our present overloaded buses. Through traffic will be expected to use other trunk roads into London like the A40 and the A4."