Fire engines being called out to emergencies are being delayed by traffic calming measures – and in Ealing the hold-ups have nearly doubled in a year. 

The number of callouts delayed by traffic calming initiatives increased from 59 to 106 between 2020 and 2021, statistics published by the London Fire Brigade (LFB) show. 

It comes after nine controversial Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTN) were introduced in the west London borough in the second half of 2020. These figures relate to speed bump hold-ups too. 

The LTNs aim was to improve air quality and ease congestion during the pandemic at a time when it was predicted more commuters would drive in response to social distancing requirements.

However, a year later in 2021, seven of the LTNs were scrapped in Ealing following widespread protests from residents and council analysis which showed the LTNs actually increased congestion on other streets.

Although traffic calming includes speed bumps, there is a clear spike in the number of LFB delayed callouts following the introduction of Low Traffic Neighbourhoods.

Between 2019 and 2020, before the introduction of the LTNs, there was an increase of just 11 per cent from 53 callouts to 59 respectively, compared to the 83 per cent increase between 2020 and 2021.

An LFB spokesperson said: "The brigade supports proposals to promote active travel and we work closely with our local authority partners and are consulted when there are any road closure proposals. 

"If we have any concerns that any changes may impact our response times, we will raise these and work with the local authority to find the best solution.

"While the data provided will include some in respect of the impact of low-traffic neighbourhood schemes, it also includes all types of other traffic calming measures like speed bumps so it is not accurate to suggest that all delays are due to the LTN schemes."

Conservative Leader of the Opposition at Ealing Council Councillor Gregory Stafford said: "These figures provide further evidence of unintended but predictably dangerous results of the LTNs in Ealing. Residents' lives could have been at stake.

"Conservative councillors have always supported local residents in their campaign to remove these ill-thought through and counterproductive traffic barriers."

Leader of the Ealing Liberal Democrats Councillor Gary Malcolm said: "The Liberal Democrats have said that LTNs do not work.

"They block some emergency vehicles and cause more pollution due to forcing traffic to divert.

"The Liberal Democrats were glad many LTNs were removed but they showed that Labour need to speak to residents before any scheme is implemented."

An Ealing Council spokesperson said: "The two LTNs currently operating in the borough are camera-enforced, ensuring that emergency services have totally unrestricted access to these areas.

"No concerns have been raised by the LFB since the decision was made to make these schemes permanent.

"The council promised to listen to local people's views on LTNs and last year, gave everyone living in trial schemes a final say on whether they should be made permanent.

"Two LTNs that had resident support were made permanent, and the LTN trials without resident support were removed.

"The LFB and all emergency services will be fully consulted on any similar initiatives.

"The council is committed to tackling the climate emergency and supporting walking, scooting and cycling across the borough.

"But we know we must take people with us and ensure everyone has a say over change in their neighbourhoods."