Hammersmith and Fulham Council has confirmed that ANPR cameras will be installed on Weltje Road in October, as part of a trial scheme to restrict access to borough residents only. The road, which connects the A4 with King Street, has been used by over 2,000 vehicles daily, with more than 90% driven by non-residents, according to the council.
Trial Scheme Details and Timeline
The restrictions will be in place on a trial basis for up to 18 months before a final decision is made on the road’s future. The scheme mirrors one introduced last year at nearby Rivercourt Road, which the council says has cut vehicle numbers by 75%.
All borough residents will still be able to drive down the road, while visitors and deliveries to addresses on the route will be automatically exempt from fines. Residents in other streets will need to gain access using RingGo, and access will be maintained for Uber, Bolt, and Addison Lee drivers, as well as emergency services, black cabs, and some other users.
Hounslow Council Opposition
The plans have faced opposition from neighbouring Hounslow Council, which has raised concerns about displaced traffic. A Hounslow officer had written to residents and councillors reassuring them the authority would object to any order published for Weltje Road. The Conservative opposition group in Hounslow has also run a petition opposing the restrictions, arguing that for drivers from areas such as Chiswick, Acton, and Ealing, Weltje Road is “their only convenient route onto the eastbound A4” at that point.
“This is an unreasonable approach that disregards the needs of local motorists from outside LBHF's boundary who have used this road for decades,” the group claimed. Hounslow has already submitted an objection to the traffic order for Rivercourt Road, and it is understood they will do the same for Weltje Road if one is published.
Council Justification and Safety Concerns
Hammersmith and Fulham Council argues the scheme will help reduce congestion, pollution, and safety issues. In an online post announcing the October launch, the council noted that the Weltje Road/King Street junction is named the fifth most dangerous in the capital by the London Cycling Campaign.
Cllr Nicole Trehy, Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency and Travel, previously told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “Twelve residential streets between Chiswick and Hammersmith Broadway were, historically, connected to the A4. Over the years, all have been closed off to make the streets quieter, safer and less polluted – apart from Rivercourt Road and Weltje Road. They had to remain open to allow buses to transport children to and from local schools.”
“This, unfortunately, created heavy traffic, congestion and pollution, which has been exacerbated by sat nav guidance systems, on what should be quiet residential streets. Over 2,000 vehicles – more than 90 per cent of which are from outside the borough – now use Weltje as a cut-through every day,” she added.
Trehy confirmed the trial was being considered “to make this residential road safer - not a cut-through - and a nicer place to live”. She also noted that the technology could offer Hounslow Council the opportunity to reopen Chiswick streets for their residents to access the A4, adding: “We would be happy to share our learnings and experience with Hounslow.”
Next Steps and Phase Two
The access restrictions will form Phase One of the council’s plan to improve safety on Weltje Road. Phase Two, which the council says will be rolled out later this year, will see a number of alterations at the junction with King Street. Local businesses will be able to apply for a Business Access permit, enabling their staff, customers, and deliveries to be booked via RingGo.
