Work has started to create a new cycle lane on a section of Uxbridge Road from Hanwell to Southall.

The new lane is likely to be complete and ready this summer and will see almost the whole length of the route protected with flexible posts fixed to the road, known as 'wands', or with completely separate cycle tracks.

This will divide cyclists from all other traffic, including buses and pedestrians.

Ealing Council cabinet members Deirdre Costigan and Josh Blacker visited the site near Southall Park earlier this week.

Councillor Deirdre Costigan, cabinet member for climate action said: "Uxbridge Road is vital for local cyclists and commuters as it is a main route linking the east and west of the borough. Similar measures are already in place along other sections, including Ealing Common and Acton.

"A significant chunk of the pollution and harmful emissions we produce as a borough comes from cars making these sorts of journeys and collectively, we must make bold changes to our lives now or face a deepening climate crisis in future years.

She said that strategies such as the new cycle lane will improve local air quality and help the borough reach 'net zero' for carbon emissions by 2030.

Councillor Josh Blacker, cabinet member for healthy lives said: "Much of this route is a dual carriageway and has not exactly been ideal for cyclists in the past. But when complete, this new high-quality cycle route will be far safer for people of all ages, including children.

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"We have seen a huge increase in the number of people using their bike in this area in the last year and we will continue to support people to cycle wherever possible, not just along Uxbridge Road, but across the entire borough."

He added: "We are also looking to introduce similar cycle schemes in other areas, including around Boston Road in Hanwell.

"We also now have 15 School Streets in place – making it safer and easier for children to walk, cycle or scoot to school, and for people who do rely on a car to get around, we have delivered around 300 electric vehicle charging points to support the switch to this greener mode of transport."

Have you read about the changes to the Highway Code that will take effect this weekend? With an increased focus on cyclist and pedestrian safety.