Concerns Raised About 'Unsafe' Gunnersbury Lane Roadworks

Pedestrians being forced to walk through busy traffic

Pedestrians including children have no pavement to use. Picture: Simon Brooke

November 28, 2025

Roadworks on Gunnersbury Lane near the junction with Avenue Road, one of the busiest thoroughfares in the Acton area, have sparked mounting concern among residents. They say that the current traffic management setup is putting pedestrians at serious risk, with temporary crossings described as “unsafe” and footways obstructed, and locals are calling for urgent action from Ealing Council and the contractors responsible. One resident claims ‘it is a matter of time before someone is killed’.

The works, which are expected to continue for up to a year, involve utility upgrades and carriageway repairs. But residents say the arrangements have failed to provide safe pedestrian routes, forcing people—including parents with buggies and visually impaired individuals—into the road alongside moving traffic.

One resident described the situation in stark terms: “Women with buggies are facing oncoming traffic, children are crossing between lorries, and other residents are taking their lives in their hands. Motorists are confused by the bizarre configuration of traffic lights, and pedestrians are left to fend for themselves.”

Two visually impaired women who live locally are said to be particularly at risk, with no tactile paving, audible signals or clear crossing points in place. The lack of safe access has prompted calls for a public demonstration, as frustration grows over what residents see as a failure of duty by both the council and the contractors.

The phasing of the lights is also described as confusing with eye-witnesses reporting that motorists are struggling to understand how they work while needing to be aware of the unexpected presence of pedestrians on the road.

The roadworks are being carried out under a temporary traffic order approved by Ealing Council. According to notices published earlier this year, the works are part of a wider programme involving utility connections and infrastructure upgrades.

The temporary road layout is described as unsafe and confusing. Picture: Simon Brooke

Under national guidance, local authorities have a responsibility to ensure pedestrian access is maintained during roadworks, particularly for vulnerable groups. People living in the area allege that the current configuration may breach statutory obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and the Highways Act 1980.

The law does recognise that it may be necessary on occasion for pedestrians to be made to use the road during carriageway works but the Highway Authority, in this case Ealing Counci, must assess the risk and approve the traffic management plan, ensuring it meets legal and safety standards.

The work is likely to result in disruption in the area for months. Picture: Simon Brooke

As the works continue, residents are urging Ealing Council to review the traffic management plan and enforce higher safety standards. They are also calling for direct engagement with affected communities, including disability groups and parents, to ensure future phases of the project are designed with pedestrian safety in mind.

An Ealing Council spokesperson said, “Pedestrian crossings have been placed at either end of the section of pavement that has been closed. This is included in the construction management plan which was approved as part of the planning application.

“The pavement is expected to be closed until November 2026.”