SES presents its case

June 2005 demonstration

Mad tram cartoon

Videos

Save Ealing's Streets says VOTE NO TRAM

May 2006

The May 2006 local elections were the last opportunity for residents of Ealing to have their say on the proposed West London Tram scheme at the ballot box. Save Ealing's Streets invited the three main parties to present their position on the tram. Supporters were invited to VOTE NO TRAM. Our Election Special page contained information about the elections and links to more.

On 4 May, residents of Ealing turned out and voted NO TRAM in force. A dramatic swing led to all change at Ealing Council. Two weeks later, on 18 May, the new Council unanimously supported a motion with three parts: to remove support for the proposed West London Tram scheme; to withdraw from being a joint promoter of the scheme (with Transport for London); and to mandate Council officers to draw up the case for active opposition to the tram scheme. Ealing is firmly opposed to the tram.  

SES calls on TfL to pause and take stock

January 2006

When Transport for London first announced its plans for the West London Tram it cautioned (Uxbridge Road Transit, October 2000, page 49): "local support will be essential for any scheme to be developed beyond this stage. If the local authorities or the Mayor are unable to support the proposals no scheme will proceed".

With two out of three authorities directly affected now opposing the scheme SES says it is time for TfL to pause and take stock. 

West London has many serious transport problems that need to be addressed. TfL should make a strategic assessment of all the area's transport needs and priorities and then explore the options for addressing them. This assessment should seek out and involve West London's communities. SES looks forward to participating in such an exercise.

SES questions West London Tram ridership forecasts

January 2006

Save Ealing's Streets has welcomed London TravelWatch's letter to Transport for London demanding clarification on a number of key points. However, SES has asked that LTW Chairman Brian Cooke should, as promised, press TfL to explain and justfiy its ridership forecasts for the West London Tram. SES believes that the projected increases in passenger numbers along the corridor (almost 1000% in places) are simply incredible.

It has been well documented that promoters of light rail schemes tend to over-estimate their potential benefits. Given the cost of the West London Tram scheme, SES believes that it is essential for forecasts as optimistic as TfL's to be examined carefully.

Click on the link to see for yourself the ridership forecasts and read the full letter from Save Ealing's Streets.

SES responds to TfL West London Tram consultation

January 2006

Save Ealing's Streets has submitted a detailed response to Transport for London's consultation exercise on tram construction compounds, electrical substations, the depot test track and changes in the route alignment for the West London Tram scheme.

Read the full submission: Save Ealing's Streets response to Transport for London consultation.

This document deserves careful consideration, not least by Transport for London. Save Ealing's Streets has visited the sites proposed for the 25 construction compounds, 16 electrical substations and three areas where changes are proposed to track alignment and layout, as well as the location of the proposed test track.

The submission comments in detail on each of these sites. Local residents have also been consulted along the proposed tram route.

SES calls on TfL to rethink strategy

January 2006

In view of the considerable concerns expressed by the community, in its response to Transport for London's consultation exercise on the West London Tram, Save Ealing's Streets calls on Transport for London to rethink its entire strategy with regard to the identification of sites for the construction compounds and other components of this consultation. Save Ealing's Streets also calls on TfL to develop solutions which will be more acceptable to the community.

SES calls for reappraisal of TfL's attitude

January 2006

In addition, Save Ealing's Streets believes that a complete reappraisal of Transport for London’s attitude towards the community in West London is required. Save Ealing's Streets considers that Transport for London must adopt a more participative approach in its dealings with the people whose lives are likely to be affected so much by its decisions regarding the West London Tram.

TfL writes to leader of Hillingdon LibDems

January 2006

Christopher Dean, Transport for London Project Director for the West London Tram has written to Councillor Carey, leader of Hillingdon Liberal Democrats. This letter is in response to the questions raised by Save Ealing's Streets (SES letter to Councillor Carey).

This letter was written "to ensure you [Hillingdon Liberal Democrats] have all the facts prior to your Council meeting on 27th January [sic]". As we now know, Hillingdon Council voted to object to the tram.

The letter was copied to Save Ealing's Streets and is posted on our website with Mr Dean's consent. To read the full letter, click the link: Letter from Christopher Dean to Councillor Carey.

SES writes to leader of Hillingdon Liberal Democrats

January 2006

On 26 January 2006 the full Hillingdon Council will vote on whether to support or oppose the West London Tram scheme. In December 2005, the Council voted to postpone this decision, even though the cabinet had decided to oppose the scheme. It is the Liberal Democrat group which holds the key to this vote, since they hold the balance of power (Ealing LibDems oppose the West London Tram scheme).

Since Hillingdon's decision will have a crucial impact on Ealing, Save Ealing's Streets has written to Councillor Carey, leader of the Liberal Democrats in Hillingdon, outlining the reasons why we oppose the Tram and inviting him to support his Ealing colleagues.

Read the letter: Letter to Councillor Carey, leader of Hillingdon Liberal Democrats.

SES makes presentation to London Travel Watch

December 2005

Save Ealing's Streets was invited to make a presentation on the West London Tram to London Travel Watch. This organisation originally supported the West London Tram scheme. Like so many others, however, it has become more sceptical as it has learnt more about the details.

Having taken evidence from a number of bodies, London Travel Watch decided it would decide whether to support the scheme in January 2006.

Read what Save Ealing's Streets had to say: Speech to London Travel Watch.

SES asks Ealing not to become joint promoter of Tram

June
2005

Ealing Council voted to be a joint promoter of the West London Tram with Transport for London

Save Ealing's Streets supporters were out in force.

Where were you on 21 June 2005?

Click on the pictures to see the videos

Ealing Council voted to become a joint promoter of the West London Tram.

We told them they would regret the decision.

NO TRAM NO TRAM (2.3Mb)

Hoot for No Tram (4.3Mb)

By November, they were regretting the decision:

Council livid 

Send it back to Amsterdam (7.7Mb)

Massed ranks (4.17Mb)

Hooting and hollering (7.7Mb)

Just say NO (7Mb)

Posters on parade (7.7Mb)