Ealing Liberal Democrats have called for a traffic impact assessment around Acton’s level crossings, which could be closed to road traffic under plans for the West London Orbital rail route.
Councillor Gary Busuttil, the party’s transport spokesperson, raised the issue at a Transport for London event at ActOne cinema last Saturday (24 October 2026). He said residents had raised concerns about the effects of closing the crossings.
Councillor Busuttil said: “The first thing that needs to be carried out is a Traffic Impact Assessment in the surrounding areas close to the line that may be affected. Though TfL are engaging with residents and getting their views, they need to be more open and honest with residents on how the WLO will affect them.”
The proposed 18.5km route would run through Acton Central and South Acton, with up to six London Overground trains an hour connecting the area with Old Oak Common, Brentford, Hounslow and north-west London. It would largely use railway lines currently used by freight trains.
TfL says it is considering alternative arrangements for pedestrians and cyclists if the crossings close, and is carrying out further work on the impact of displaced traffic on nearby roads.
Liberal Democrat London Assembly Member Hina Bokhari added: “The West London Orbital will be a welcome addition to the local transport system. But it’s vital that resident concerns are listened to during the consultation process and that TfL conduct a clear impact assessment to fully inform future decisions.”
The public consultation is open until 18 November 2026. The Liberal Democrats are also gathering residents’ views through its own paper and online survey.
