Business impacts
What does the council say in response to the claim that the changes are having a negative impact on local businesses, for example on Turnham Green Terrace?
The current arrangements are trials that have been brought in in response to emergency statutory guidance issued by government. They have been brought in to protect public health and create the space necessary for business to safely reopen. In some cases, these schemes may have a role to play in meeting wider and longer-term policy objectives such as around Air Quality and Climate Emergency. We are looking to feedback from businesses as part of our consultation which can then be fed into our review process.
We are also exploring other data sources, e.g. transaction data from Mastercard, to be able to better understand overall impacts on commerce across the last few months. The council acknowledges that there are strong and sometimes diverging views on this matter. There is a full and proper process in place to assess the impact of those measures post trial commencement, and further consideration by decision makers on the matter will take place in due course in the light of this evaluation.
Previous engagement with traders?
The council has contacted all businesses impacted by these proposals, alongside residents and other stakeholders. We have received a number of communications from businesses which we are feeding directly into our interim reviews.
Will there be future engagement with local businesses?
Following the interim review further engagement is planned, including dedicated sessions 8th impacted businesses where appropriate.
Will compensation will be offered to local business?
Compensation is unlikely to be available following changes made to the highway, however other grants and reliefs may be available for businesses impacted by changed trading environments in the last few months.
Further information can be found on our Information for businesses available on our website.
Why does it make sense for visitors to be denied the opportunity to park in pay and display and spend locally in Chiswick?
The council has not prevented access by car to Chiswick Town Centre, in total we have only suspended around 5% of total parking stock. Chiswick Town Centre is therefore accessible to people by a wide range of modes.
