The bus gate absolutely is pointless. TFL claimed it was needed to protect bus journey times, and specifically referenced the loss of eastbound bus lane by Stamford Brook in the 'temporary' scheme. That stretch of bus lane has now been reinstated, so TFL's original justification no longer works. The bus gate was not part of the original CS9 plan but smuggled in as part of the 'temporary' scheme.It also is pointless as it cannot 'throttle back traffic'. Anyone with local knowledge can see traffic simply diverts around it, either via Wellesley Road or up from A4 via Heathfield Gardens. Depending on local traffic these are teh two options that Google maps gives. The are rarely queues at the next eastbound junction of CHR and Heathfield by Waitrose, because most traffic now avoids central Chiswick. Most of the eastbound CHR traffic was heading to Acton Lane, now it still does that but via Wellesly and Heathfield Gardens up Sutton Lane. All of this traffic could turn right at top of Sutton Lane onto CHR and reach central Chiswick. It doesnt though, again highlighting that the bus gate serves no purpose.So you have a bus gate with no purpose actively diverting thousands of cars, vans and lorries onto residential streets and the route of CS9.It is simply not true to say the bus companies asked for it. They did not. There were never any delays to bus journey times through this junction, TFL themseleves have confirmed this. It was based on a series of flawed assumptions and a complete lack of local knowledge, and was not subject to any review or consultation.
Bill George ● 1459d