Agenda and minutes

None.

RESOLVED- That all items be considered in public.

RESOLVED- That all items be considered in public.

The Cabinet Member considered a petition from residents requesting to widen Victoria Road to allow access and to provide parking spaces. The petitioners spoke of their concerns and suggestions including the following:

·         Victoria Road was built in the 30s/40s as an access road to a housing estate. It was not made to be used as a main road.

·         Over the past 50 years the volume of traffic had increased thus resulting in more pollution and congestion.

·         Due to retail, trading and industrial developments nearby, the volume of lorries/vans/ large vehicles had increased by 300 – 400%.

·         Victoria Road was now a “pinch point”.

·         There were issues with commuter parking which caused parking pressure in the area and limited parking for residents. Gardens were too small to allow drop curbs.

·         It was reported that there had been a number of incidents involving damage to cars parked on the road as the roads were too tight. One resident had had four wing mirrors damaged due to cars knocking them off.

·         Large Lorries and buses travelling down the road would often not give each other way to access which caused excessive noise levels through regular horning.

·         Petitioners stated that a “rethink needed to be done at the pinch point”.

·         Petitioners acknowledged that the Council was reluctant to take away trees, however submitted that cutting back the verges would relieve pressure and keep traffic moving to widen the road.

Councillor Alan Kauffman attended the meeting and spoke as Ward Councillor for South Ruislip in support of the petition. He noted the issues and concerns raised by residents. He asserted that there was a major increase in traffic which caused gridlocks due to the increase in local businesses nearby. There had been a huge development in the area including five retail parks, 92 businesses, six major retailers including Lidl, Sainsbury's, ASDA, Aldi, B&M and Ocado. There had also been associated traffic generated by the increase in the number of new homes being developed. This was all causing an impact on residents of Victoria Road. Further, the pinch point at Victoria Road caused by commuter and resident parking on both sides of the carriageway, made it impossible for two large delivery lorries / buses to pass. Victoria Road was a part of the main lorry route from Ruislip through South Ruislip. As a consequence there were major traffic jams in both directions, together with the pollution generated by idling vehicles.  Councillor Kauffman noted that Victoria Road was also referred to as “wing mirror alley” due to the tightness and raised whether single yellow lines could be considered. Councillor Kauffman sympathised with residents and hoped that the concerns raised in the petition would be addressed. In relation to recommendation 4, Councillor Kauffman hoped it would also include site visits to see the issues raised by residents in situ.

Councillor Steve Tuckwell attended the meeting and spoke as Ward Councillor for South Ruislip in support of the petition. He shared the views of Councillor Kauffman.

Councillor Teji  ...  view the full minutes text for item 21.

The Cabinet Member considered a petition requesting an extension to the operational times of the West Drayton parking management scheme in Warwick Road, West Drayton. In support of the petition, the petitioners spoke of their concerns and suggestions including the following:

·         Parking in Warwick Road currently operated Monday to Friday from 9am to 5 pm. Petitioners requested a change in the band from WD1 to U1 (9am to 10 pm - 7 days a week).

·         Commuter parking meant that there was limited parking for residents and this had a significant impact on elderly residents and families with young children.

·         There was authorised access to West Drayton station trough the back and people were using the area as commuter parking. This created additional pressure on residents.

·         Parking was an issue 7 days a week as in the evening and weekend commuters used Warwick Road to travel into town for leisure and social activities.

·         There were issues raised about abuse of residents on adjacent roads using parking tickets incorrectly.

·         It was also raised that the parking meter and parking bay had been removed from West Drayton station after refurbishments and had not been replaced.

·         Petitioners shared survey results of the cars that had been parked without tickets without any enforcement action being taken.

Councillor Stuart Mathers attended the meeting as Ward Councillor and supported the petition and comments made by the petitioners. He expressed sympathy for the residents and agreed that there were parking pressure in the area due to commuter parking. Councillor Mathers indicated that there was also parking pressure in the evening as often people used Warwick Road as an area to park and travel to London. This would be likely to increase with Crossrail coming in the near future. Councillor Mathers noted that that there was a car park in close vicinity of Warwick Road which was cost effective.

Councillor Burrows listened to the concerns of the petitioners and responded to the points raised. Councillor Burrows noted the concerns raised in relation to the lack of meter and parking bays replacements and assured petitioners that these matters would be taken forward with the relevant teams for action. Councillor Burrows noted the concerns regarding commuter parking and confirmed that Warwick Road would be added to the future parking scheme programme for informal consultation. Suitable locations for the parking management schemes would be confirmed with Ward Councillors.

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 operational times of the West Drayton Parking Management Scheme to be extended in Warwick Road, West Drayton.

2.    Decided if the request for an extension to operational times of the parking scheme in Warwick Road, West Drayton and any other roads in the immediate surrounding area should be added to the Council’s future parking scheme programme for informal consultation with residents.

3.    Instructed Officers to inform parking services of current issues regarding visitor vouchers and also instructed them  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22.

The Cabinet Member considered a petition from residents requesting traffic calming measures in Morgans Lane. In support of the petition, the petitioners spoke of their concerns and suggestions including the following:

·         Concerns were raised about vehicles driving the wrong way on the one way road, despite there being a police station at one end of the road. Vehicles drove too fast which caused danger to residents.

·         Residents had to ensure that they looked both ways when crossing the road.

·         Petitioners requested speed humps, visible road marking and signs for the way system to encourage drivers to drive safely.

·         Photographs were shared with officers and Councillor Burrows evidencing vehicles entering the road from the wrong way. A number written statements from residents were also provided supporting the petition.

·         Petitioners requested urgent action to be undertaken before there was a serious fatality.

Councillor Scott Farley attended the meeting and spoke as Ward Councillor in support of the petition. He attested all the submissions made and explained that he had witnessed the issues first hand. Cars sped on this road regularly and preventative measures were necessary. He requested similar measures to Angel Lane, where measures appeared to be working well.

Councillor John Oswell attended the meeting and spoke as Ward Councillor in support of the petition. He referred to the photo evidence that showed vehicles entering the wrong way and acknowledged that this had always been problematic in the area. He requested similar measures to other roads in the areas to ensure safety and avoid any serious incidents.

Councillor Burrows listened to the concerns of the petitioners and responded to the points raised. Councillor Burrows accepted that speeding was an issue in the area and noted this from the petition and statements submitted.  Councillor Burrows knew the area well and accepted that it was a busy road.

Councillor Burrows explained that an independent traffic survey would be commissioned through a specialist company in the normal manner. He explained that that the request would be added to the Council’s Road Safety Programme and agreed suitable locations to be monitored with the petitioners and the Ward Councillors. The results from the surveys would be shared with Ward Councillors.

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 drivers ignoring the 'one-way' working in Morgans Lane, Hayes.

2.    Noted the results of the previous speed and traffic surveys undertaken in Morgans Lane, Hayes.

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

4.    Instructed officers to undertake a review of the road layout and look at any possible engineering options to prevent the abuse of the one way working and report back to the Cabinet Member for Planning, Transportation and Recycling for possible consultation.

Reasons for decision

The petition hearing provided a valuable opportunity to hear directly from the petitioners of their  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.

The Cabinet Member considered a petition from residents requesting pedestrian safety movements in Hayes Town Centre. In support of the petition, the petitioners spoke of their concerns and suggestions including the following:

·         Concerns were raised about pedestrian safety when crossing roads.

·         There were difficulties accessing the shops as people struggled to cross the busy roads particularly disabled people and people with young children.

·         A request was made for a controlled crossing near the Hesa Centre in Station Road and improvements to the road markings and signage for pedestrians.

·         Concerns were also raised about speeding and request were made for appropriate measures to enforce the 20 mph speed limit.

·         The moderation and improvements to the town centre were highly welcomed. It was noted that since the Hayes town project, shops appeared to be blooming and there was not a single shop empty.

·         This petition represented the views of business owners in Hayes town.

Councillor Peter Curling attended the meeting and spoke as Ward Councillor in support of the petition. He attested all the submissions made and requested action to be taken before there were any serious incidents. He explained that pedestrian crossings were hazardous due to confusing signage, excess speeding, and narrow and congested roads.

Councillors John Oswell and Scott Farley also attended the meeting and supported the petition as Ward Councillors. They requested for the zebra crossings to be implemented as soon as possible.

Councillor Burrows listened to the concerns of the petitioners and responded to the points raised. It was noted that 43 meetings were held with stakeholders from Hayes Town stakeholders including the Hayes Town Business Forum. The date for the crossing had been agreed and funding for the works had been arranged, other works were being completed as capital release. It was also confirmed that works needed to be undertake in line with Crossrail projects and not hinder that work in any way. Therefore, Councillor Burrows confirmed that some work is being phased out on a timely basis in line with Crossrail construction and will be expedited as soon as practicable in the circumstances.

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

RESOLVED –

Meeting with the petitioners, the Cabinet Member:

1.            Discussed with petitioners their concerns with pedestrian safety within Hayes Town Centre.

2.            Considered the extensive consultation undertaken with residents and businesses, including the formation of the Hayes Town Centre Stakeholder Working Group.

3.            Took into account the meeting held with petitioners in October 2018 to discuss their concerns.

4.            Noted the revised design to incorporate a new formal crossing in Station Road, outside the Hesa clinic.

5.            Noted officers' request for Transport for London to carry out a review of the crossing time for the new signalised pedestrian crossings in Hayes Town Centre.

6.            Acknowledged that the raised tables that have been implemented as part of the scheme have been built to their maximum permissible height and cannot be increased in height as a consequence.

7.            Noted the implementation of 'Rhino  ...  view the full minutes text for item 24.

The Cabinet Member considered a petition from residents requesting pedestrian safety movements in Hayes Town Centre. In support of the petition, the petitioners spoke of their concerns and suggestions including the following:

·         Concerns were raised about the lack of traffic calming measures on Whitehall Road outside the rear entrance of the school.

·         The School Business manager had first-hand knowledge of near miss incidents as they were often at the back of the gate at the time of school entrance and exits.

·         There was an increasing risk to the safety of children, parents and generally people using the entrance due to speeding vehicles.

·         A request was made for more traffic calming measures and measures to increase pedestrian safety

Councillor Judith Cooper submitted the following by email:

I apologise for being unable to attend this evenings hearing.  However, I am well acquainted with the traffic issues along Whitehall Road.  Traffic (including pedestrian) safety is exacerbated by parking close to junctions eg at the top of Walford Road.  It is a long, straight stretch of road that invites speeding.  Of particular note is the Children's Centre adjacent to Whitehall School which is used mostly by pedestrians, usually young Mums with toddlers, buggies etc.

Of great significance is the change in access to Whitehall school since it was enlarged from 3 form entry to 4 form, creating a 25% increase in traffic.  In order to alleviate the congestion on Cowley Road a permanent rear access was created. This has resulted in a huge increase in traffic, parents in cars, staff parking and a much greater number of pedestrians, including young children.  The pavements are crowded, especially in the morning when the school opens and many pedestrians resort to walking in the road to overtake slower walkers.  Another factor that has increased the use of Whitehall Road is the expansion of Brunel University.  The route from Cleveland Road and along Whitehall Road is the most direct route to Uxbridge for many students.

Altogether the level of usage and type of usage of the road has changed enormously in recent years.  I concur with residents concerns and agree that these safety issues need to be robustly addressed.

Councillor Farhad Choubedar attended the meeting as Ward Councillor and supported the petition. He attested to the concerns raised by the petitioners and requested speeding and traffic calming measures.

Councillor Burrows listened to the concerns of the petitioners and responded to the points raised. It was noted that the school was in the process of working with the Council’s Road Safety and School Travel Team. It was also noted that Whitehall Road was used by both residents and students. He had regard to the to the results from the previous pedestrian and traffic surveys detailed in the report and confirmed that further traffic surveys would be carried out to ascertain how busy the roads were.  Following the collation of this information, a further assessment would be made. He recognised that school warning signage may improve traffic in the area.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 25.