Agenda and minutes

None.

RESOLVED: That all items be considered in public.

The Cabinet Member considered a petition from residents raising concerns about road safety in Cherry Lane. In support of the petition, the petitioners spoke of their concerns and suggestions including the following:

·         Cherry Lane was a dangerous road and accidents happened due to road surfaces.

·         There was dual carriage way close by and there was no indication or signs to show that this was dual carriageway. There was also an exit from Crown Plaza which was dangerous due to its location and visibility.

·         Cars travelled at huge speed limits not taking into account people using the roads. Residents, particularly children and elderly were vulnerable.

·         Something needed to be done

·         There was the suggestion of a pedestrian crossing being introduced.

·         There was an accident black spot at the Cherry Lane and Sipson Road junction.

·         The bus shelter did not have enough room for passengers forcing them to wait in this road. This problem had developed since the shelter had been reversed.

·         There had been a serious incident where a resident was taken to hospital.

Councillor June Nelson attended the meeting and spoke as Ward Councillor in support of the petition. She reiterated the view of residents and explained that on the other side of Cherry Lane near the cemetery, there had been cases where cars started spinning causing the fence to be knocked down. Traffic bollards had been put in place with the aim to reduce speeding. She also said that it was difficult for residents to cross the roads as the speed went from 50 to 30 quite quickly. Residents were fed up with the situation.

Councillor Stuart Mathers, Ward Councillor for West Drayton addressed the committee and that speeding was an issue in the area. Also Shepperton Lane had seen a reduction in speed due to recent tragic events and requested the same for the other side of Cherry Lane.   Cars had limited information to reduce speed and often overtook buses. This was dangerous as the bus stop was located in an unsafe place. This also led to a build up of traffic. He suggested moving hotel entrances to increase road safety as it was often the case that cars sped around the corner and then slammed brakes on. He asked for an increase in pedestrian crossings.

Councillor Peter Money attended the meeting and spoke as Ward Councillor in support of the petition. He agreed with all the submission made and said that there was a blind corner in the place and a lack of pedestrian crossings. There was a high risk of accidents and the potential for greater harm.

Councillor Burrows listened to the concerns of the petitioners and responded to the points raised. Councillor Burrows questioned when the incident happened when a resident was taken to hospital and it was confirmed that it was some time ago. He noted the investigations undertaken to date and that the bus stops were an arrangement with TFL. He also noted that there had been an access audit  ...  view the full minutes text for item 25.

The Cabinet Member considered a petition from residents raising concerns about unsafe parking in the St Andrew’s Park Development. In summary, the petitioners spoke of their concerns and suggestions which included the following:

·         Petitioners requested parking restriction changes around John Locke Academy, Bader Way, Churchill Road and St Andrews Road.

·         The petition was signed by 200 local residents.

·         The parking restrictions had caused many parents trouble when dropping and collecting their children from school.

·         Control parking zones recently introduced were now in full operation within close proximity to the school.

·         Most parents used a car to drop and collect their children as they all lived too far from the school to walk or use public transport.

·         Seven proposals were suggested which were detailed in the report.

·         Petitioners requested changing double yellows lines to single yellow lines with time restrictions. This could include applying operation time to the current yellow with exemption during school runs.

·         Consider recruiting a School Crossing Patrol Officer to increase safety for both children and adults when crossing the road.

·         Whilst the land was being completed, be allowed the opportunity to use the available land on site for parking.

·         Clarification on who owned particular roads on the development. Was it the developer or the Council?

·         The Council considered arranging a public car park with pay and display provisions. Petitioners explained that the option of parking in the INTU car park in Uxbridge was not a timely or convenient option for parents or children.

·         There was a concern this problem would increase as the school was at full capacity and there was a waiting list. Surveys had been conducted by parents and a lot of data and information was provided to officers and the Cabinet Member. These would also be sent electronically to the relevant officers.

Councillor Martin Goddard attended the meeting and spoke as Ward Councillor in support of the petition. He was sympathetic to the points raised by petitioner but acknowledged that parking problems applied to many schools in the Borough. He submitted that in this case parking issues was exasperated  by the fact that many children lived some distance away from the school. Once the development was completed this would cause an increase in parking and traffic congestion. Councillor Goddard asked whether school bus arrangements could be considered to reduce traffic. Children could travel to school via a school bus that parents contributed towards. Councillor Goddard understood the concerns raised by petitioners but said that local resident concerns living in the area would also need to be taken into account.

David Knowles, Head of Transport and Town Centre Projects, thanked petitioners for the detailed information received.  He explained that the management for parking was a matter for the school. He questioned whether the use of the car park could be prioritised for children with access needs. Any changes to yellow lines and single yellow lines needed to undergo a formal process.

Councillor Burrows listened to the concerns of the petitioners and responded  ...  view the full minutes text for item 26.

The Cabinet Member considered a petition from residents of Coney Grove requesting a resident only parking management scheme. In support of the petition, the petitioners spoke of their concerns and suggestions including the following:

·         There were eight parking bays owned by Catalyst Housing Group. Residents requested the adoption of these parking bays and for them to be controlled by the Council.

·         There were a number of new restaurants in the area that affected the amount of available parking for residents.

·         As a result of the success of the local restaurants there was an increase in anti social behaviour and noise in the area.

·         Coney Grove had been impacted the mostt negatively as it was closest to the restaurants and it deserved its own separate parking scheme. Petitioners wanted a separate parking scheme from Harlington Road.

·         People parked on the pavement outside the pub which meant that people would have to walk on the road.

The Chairman read a statement form Cllr Mills, Ward Councillor, into the record which stated:

Good evening,

Unfortunately I am unable to attend in person tonight, but as Ward Councillor, would like to add my support to the petition to consider a residents only parking management scheme within Coney Grove, Hillingdon.

Following the change of operation of the Prince of Wales Pub on Harlington Road, to a restaurant there has been a significant increase in visitor parking in Coney Grove, which is opposite the restaurant.

The Cabinet Member will already be aware that a petition has already been received and heard by residents of Harlington Road who were concerned about this issue and that a consultation will commence with residents in that road shortly.

The lead petitioner for a Coney Grove scheme has contacted me many times in advance of this petition hearing to confirm that they would like to see a scheme specifically for the residents of Coney Grove, separate to the scheme proposed for Harlington Road.

I am happy to support this proposal, and would encourage a consultation with residents in Coney Grove to be undertaken, wherein it is made clear to them that if they opt for a separate scheme to the overall Harlington Road one, they would not be permitted to park on the main road either.

new restaurants in An extension to the Cowley Parking Management Scheme was offered to residents five or six years ago. At the time residents from St David Close requested to be excluded from the scheme.

Councillor Brian Stead attended the meeting and spoke as Ward Councillor in support of the petition. He supported the comments made by the residents and submitted that the residents had put up with a lot given the anti social behaviour within the area.

Councillor Burrows listened to the concerns of the petitioners and responded to the points raised. He noted the recent petition at Harlington Road. He clarified that parking could not be enforced through CCTV. He acknowledged the concerns raised and suggested adding Coney Grove to the parking  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27.

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.

The Cabinet Member considered a petition from residents of living in the vicinity of the bus stop along West End Road south of Wingfield Way, South Ruislip.  In support of the petition, the petitioners spoke of their concerns and suggestions including the following:

·         Residents were afraid to use the bus stop as it was unsafe.

·         Residents had to stand behind the bus stop as they were too afraid to down due to its closeness to the road.

·         There dangerous cycles and bicycle riders could be knocked down .

·         They suggested turning the bus stop around to enable residents to use the bench to sit down.

·         Requested side panels to avoid windy and wet weather conditions.

·         Residents preferred to taxis to do their shopping rather than using the buses.

Councillor Allan Kauffman attended the meeting and spoke as Ward Councillor in support of the petition. He reiterated that the view of residents and said that many residents used taxis as it was not safe. There was another bus stop on West End road that was back facing, and this was well used. He also questioned the safeness of disabled access.

Councillor Burrows listened to the concerns of the petitioners and responded to the points raised. Councillor Burrows acknowledged that this bus stop was develop d in 2016 based on resident request. This went through a consultation period and was supported by residents. The bus stop had been the subject to an accessibility test and no access issues were found. Safety audits had also been carried out and it was found to be fine. There was risk that turning the bus stop around may restrict the viewing of oncoming traffic and buses

David Knowles, Head of Transport and Town Centre Projects, mindful that a lot of people did like to cycle and in relation to glass panel TFL were not usually keen on this.  However he suggested that this area be looked at again and see if there was a better location for the bus stop.

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

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Cabinet Member:

1.         Met with and listened to the petitioners’ concerns;

2.         Advised petitioners that bus stops and bus stop infrastructure were principally the responsibility of Transport for London (TfL) and their subsidiary London Buses;

3.         Noted that the bus stop in West End Road near Wingfield Way was slightly altered to accommodate a shared cycle/ footway which, as the Cabinet member was aware, was implemented in response to an earlier petition from local residents;

4.         Noted that as part of the scheme referenced under (3) above, the bus stop had been subject to a road safety audit and a bus stop accessibility audit both 'before' and 'after' implementation of the scheme, and the layout was found to be in accordance with current design standards;

5.         Noted that in response to enquiries by the Council in the wake of the petition, the police stressed the road safety importance of clear sight-lines  ...  view the full minutes text for item 29.

The Cabinet Member considered a petition from residents of Merton Avenue requesting a residents’’ permit parking scheme. In support of the petition, the petitioners spoke of their concerns and suggestions including the following:

·         Following the implementation of a parking scheme in Victoria Road some time ago,  there had been a domino effect as there was now limited parking for residents.

·         Most of the residents had drop curbs which reduced the amount of available space.

·         The area was heavily congested by commuters who used the road as parking.

·         The main issues occurred between the junctions of Victoria Avenue and Merton Way and this was the most heavily congested.

·         The petitioner requested more available parking not only for residents but for other people visiting the road.

Councillor Wayne Bridges attended the meeting and spoke as Ward Councillor in support of the petition. He reiterated the petitioner’s concerns and said that there had been a knock on effect on close by roads. Since the initial consultation, residents now had a change of heart.

Councillor Alan Chapman indicated that he fully supported residents and the scheme. Traffic in the area was getting worse and the position would deteriorate further as there was a new development being completed nearby.

Councillor Burrows listened to the concerns of the petitioners and responded to the points raised. He explained that the during the consultation each road was treated individually. This was supported by the David Knowles, Transport and Projects Senior Manager consultation would take place that would look at local areas to consider the impact of any proposed parking.

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

RESOLVED -

Meeting with the Petitioners, the Cabinet Member:

1.    Listened to their request for the introduction of a residents' permit parking scheme in Merton Avenue, Hillingdon.

2.    Decided that the request for a residents' permit parking scheme to be introduced in Merton Avenue, Hillingdon and possibly roads in the surrounding area should be added to the Council’s future parking scheme programme for further investigation and more detailed consultation when resources permit.

3.    Following discussions with Ward Councillors, asks officers to include Merton Avenue and Richmond Avenue in the consultation.

Reason for decisions

The Cabinet Member discussed with petitioners their concerns and added their request to the parking schemes programme.

Alternative options considered and rejected

These were discussed with petitioners