Issue - meetings

The Cabinet Member considered a petition from residents raising concerns with excessive traffic speeds and pedestrian safety on Rockingham Road, Uxbridge. In support of the petition, the petitioners spoke of their concerns and suggestions including the following:

·         Raised concerns regarding road safety from the traffic lights.

·         Cars travelled too fast and there was always traffic.

·         Pavements were too narrow there was a serious concerns for young children crossing the road

·         There was a lack of school warning signs.

·         Large vehicles drove too close to the pavement causing concerns.

·         Requested speed bumps to encourage people to reduce their speed.

·         This was the only way from the school to the town centre and there were serious concerns.

Councillor Judith Cooper attended the meeting and spoke as Ward Councillor in support of the petition. She reiterated the view of residents  and said that they had the best experience of the road as they used it very often. There were issues with traffic, congestion, the location of buildings and the pavements were too narrow. She wanted to see parents being encouraged to travel through the park.

With the Chairman’s permission the governor for St Marys School addressed the committee and provided the school’s perspective. George Cooper told the Committee that there was congestion around the school and engines were often left running contributing to the bad atmosphere. Roads were adjacent to the playgrounds and a lot of congestion was caused by vehicles using the roundabouts. He suggested some form of box junction to help reduce the congestion in the area and encourage a smoother flow of traffic.

Councillor Burrows listened to the concerns of the petitioners and responded to the points raised. Councillor Burrows acknowledged the concerns raised regarding the design of the bridge as it was steep. He asked officers to check ownership of the bridge to consider if there were any options that could be taken.

In considering the matters, Councillors Burrows made the following decisions. 

RESOLVED -

Meeting with the Petitioners, the Cabinet Member:

1.    Listened to their concerns with excessive traffic speeds and pedestrian safety on Rockingham Road/St John's Road, Uxbridge.

2.    Asked officers to undertake traffic surveys, at locations agreed by the petitioners and then report back to the Cabinet Member.

3.    Asked officers in the Road Safety and School Travel Team to contact St Mary's Catholic Primary School and invited them to meet with the team in order to assist the school in developing their School Travel Plan.

4.    Asked officers to inspect signage in the area and report back to the Cabinet Member for Planning. Transportation and Recycling.

5.    Asked officers to look at St Marys school as part of future surveys on air quality.

Reason for decision

The petition hearing provided a valuable opportunity to hear directly from the petitioners of their concerns and suggestions. 

Alternative options considered and rejected

None.