We, the residents of Twickenham and surrounding areas, are calling on local authorities, Allianz Stadium (formerly Twickenham Stadium), and the Rugby Football Union (RFU) to halt plans to significantly increase the number and frequency of stadium events - particularly midweek events - until proper infrastructure, planning, and safeguards are in place.

We are not opposed to the stadium or all events. We understand the cultural and economic benefits that major events can bring. However, these benefits cannot come at the cost of our community’s wellbeing, safety, and daily life.

The transport system in Twickenham is already under significant strain. Roads are routinely gridlocked, especially during school runs, rush hour and local evening activites. The area is not currently adequately designed to handle the volume of footfall and traffic brought by large-scale events, let alone additional midweek events. Public transport is often overwhelmed, and crowd dispersal after stadium events frequently takes hours, causing extensive delays and disruption well into the evening. Without long-term, properly funded investment in new local transport infrastructure, not just temporary measures such as extra buses, midweek events are simply not viable.

Some residents have also noted that concerts have historically caused far more anti-social behaviour than most rugby events, including littering, visible drug-use, public urination, and late-night noise that disrupts residents' sleep.

We are also concerned that the recent “community consultation” carried out by Allianz Stadium and the RFU was fundamentally biased. The survey was designed and interpreted in a way that supported their desired outcome, rather than reflecting the real views of residents. Many locals felt misrepresented or ignored entirely. This should have been carried out properly by an independent third party. 

Further, we are deeply concerned by the recent comments from RFU chief executive Bill Sweeney, who publicly hinted that the RFU may consider relocating future events to Milton Keynes or Birmingham if Twickenham does not permit more non-rugby stadium activity. This is a clear attempt at pressure and should not influence the decisions of Richmond Council or other public bodies. Local governance must be guided by the needs and rights of residents - not threats from executives.

We are therefore calling for a clear, enforceable set of conditions and commitments before any expansion is even considered. These are not unreasonable demands - they are basic requirements to protect a community that already shoulders the burden of hosting a major venue.

1. No midweek events unless and until significant new transport infrastructure is delivered. They clash with school runs and commuter traffic, overwhelming already congested roads and under-resourced public transport. This would cause havoc to residents daily lives.
2. No events timed alongside major roadworks, which further paralyse local roads.
3. A robust crowd dispersal and post-event clean-up plan, with guaranteed timelines for execution.
4. Resident access protections during road closures, including passes or alternatives, with compensation where required.
5. Resident compensation for disruption - such as free ticket allocations, a council tax rebate scheme, or financial support for those directly impacted.
6. Clear, honest communication and consultation from the stadium and authorities on all event plans and mitigation measures.
7. Resident-only parking zones enforced during events to prevent visitor spillover into residential streets.
8. Strict noise limits and curfews, including a formal policy to prevent late-night disruption.
9. Minimised road closure windows, with full justification for any extended closures.
10. Long-term investment in public transport links, including new capacity and routes, not short-term fixes like more buses as is currently planned.
11. Emergency services access guarantees at all times, without exception.
12. Firm caps on the number and timing of events, agreed through community consultation and written into planning approvals.
13. An annual calendar of proposed events, published in advance, with mandatory community feedback periods.
14. The number and type of events must not increase over time by stealth, without further public consultation and approval.
15. Any licence issued should be time-limited and include a clear clause for revocation if conditions are breached - such as excessive noise, poor crowd dispersal, blocked emergency access, or ongoing resident complaints.
16. Regular impact reviews with input from residents and the local authority. 
17. Transparent and public reporting on how resident concerns are addressed, with regular updates from the stadium and council.
18. Ensure RFU invest in the stadium to better benefit the local community i.e. provision of sports facilities that could be hosted at the stadium (Rugby for kids, provide Padel courts again, 5-a-side football facilities etc)

We believe Twickenham deserves better. Our community is being asked to carry the burden of a national stadium without the infrastructure, planning, or protections that such a role demands. We ask Richmond Council and other decision-makers to stand with local residents and not allow commercial pressure to override public interest.

Please sign this petition to ensure that our voices are heard, and that future plans for Allianz Stadium respect the needs and rights of those who live and work in Twickenham.