Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest.

It was confirmed that all items of business would be considered in public.

Please note that individual petitions may overrun their time slots. Although individual petitions may start later than advertised, they will not start any earlier than the advertised time.

Please note that individual petitions may overrun their time slots. Although individual petitions may start later than advertised, they will not start any earlier than the advertised time.

The Cabinet Member considered a petition from residents requesting traffic calming measures on Nestles Avenue, Hayes. The lead petitioner, and two other petitioners, attended and made the following points:

• In order to calm traffic, a 20mph zone and/ or the installation of speed bumps were requested as this was deemed essential for the safety of residents and other users of the road, as some drivers were driving at up to 50mph.
• The lack of traffic calming measures also lead to aggressive tailgating and noise pollution, in part due to people using the road to speed test their performance vehicles.
• Four key points were referred to:
  1. Reversing into driveways – this was impractical/ dangerous due to speeding drivers. This also meant having to reverse out of driveways which was also dangerous. It was also noted that parked cars were an issue when coming out of driveways, as speeding cars would not always see vehicles coming out of the driveways.
  2. Aggressive tailgating – it was noted that there were occasions where vehicles tailgated so closely that bumpers came into contact.
  3. Overtaking on Nestles Avenue on the short distance to Harold Avenue. The distance from Station Road, at one end of Nestles Avenue, to Harold Avenue, the first turning, was 500m.
  4. Verbal abuse of drivers – the petition organiser noted that speeding drivers had verbally abused other drivers, and noted personal experience of this.
• There was a strong feeling among residents for a 20mph zone.
• The road was often used as a shortcut in both directions to avoid traffic lights at the Station Road end of Nestles Avenue. Drivers used excessive speeds when using this shortcut.
• The existing ‘no right turn’ sign at the end of Nestles Avenue into Station Road was frequently ignored.
• The 800m length of the road was often used by people with performance cars, which also created a lot of noise pollution, especially near the Nestles Avenue Children’s Centre.
• The petition organiser asked that, in relation to the recommendation for 24/7 traffic surveys, the current pandemic be taken into account with regards to the current reduced levels of traffic. This was noted by officers, and the Cabinet Member suggested that lockdown may bring about lasting change to working conditions (i.e. working from home) which may lead to less traffic in the longer term.

Councillors Farley, Gardner and Oswell attended as Botwell Ward Councillors, and Councillor Oswell spoke in support of the petition, making the following points:

·       The issue of street racers using performance vehicles was noted in Botwell Ward and Pinkwell Ward.

·       Nestles Avenue was a long, straight, wide road, from Station Avenue to Harold Road, where overtaking often occurred. There was parking on only one side of the road which left enough space for overtaking. The length of the road also encouraged speed racers to test their performance vehicles.

·       It was recommended to visit the road to note the behaviour of drivers.

·       Although a 20mph zone would have been beneficial, it would have been difficult to administer.

·       The  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

The Cabinet Member considered a petition from St Helen’s College requesting the installation of a pelican crossing to replace the zebra crossing on Long Lane. The lead petitioner and a second representative attended and made the following points:

• Safety was paramount, and two recent incidents were noted – one involving a young child, the other involving the petitioner – as referred to in the accompanying letter from the School’s Junior Road Safety Officers (found under Paragraph 2 of the Supporting Information of the officer’s report). It was noted that these incidents were not reported to police.
• Paragraph 8 of the officer’s report’s Supporting Information was referenced, which noted that Transport for London had responsibility for traffic signals.
• Paragraph 9 was also referenced, which noted potential alternative actions which could be implemented. The ‘zebrites’ and Vehicle Activated Signs were especially encouraging possibilities. Any measures would be beneficial, as there was also another School along Long Lane.
• It was suggested that further accidents were likely to occur, given the evidence provided of two recent incidents involving members of the School.
• In 2005, School proprietors contributed over £11,000 towards the installation of the current zebra crossing.
• This crossing was regularly used, not just by School pupils/ parents/ teachers but by all members of the public.

Councillor Graham noted that the three Uxbridge North Ward Councillors were in support of the petition, and noted his personal experience of using the crossing, and Long Lane was a busy road. Councillor Graham also noted Uxbridge North Ward Councillor Goddard’s experience of the issue, as his children were former attendees of the college. Councillor Graham noted his hope for engagement with Transport for London.

The three Hillingdon East Ward Councillors were also in attendance:

• Councillor Chapman noted that he was very supportive of the petition. Councillor Chapman also noted the need for Transport for London to be involved, but welcomed the possibility of other actions, such as ‘zebrites’ and Vehicle Activated Signs.
• Councillor Bridges noted the support of all three Hillingdon East Ward Councillors and was supportive of liaising with Transport for London. Councillor Bridges also noted the importance of reporting incidents to police, if only to provide further evidence of the need for action.
• Councillor Sullivan confirmed that she agreed with what the other Ward Councillors has said.

The Cabinet Member noted that he was in support of implementing safety measures on and near the crossing. The Cabinet Member also noted that engaging with Transport for London may take time and so noted alternative measures to be implemented in the meantime, as outlined in Paragraph 9 of the Supporting Information of the officer’s report.

Officers thanked the School for their continued work with the Council’s Road Safety and School Travel Team. It was noted that the School had been working with the Hillingdon STARS team, and several School initiatives were noted, including the ‘Roadwatch Scheme’ alongside Hillingdon police.

Councillor Graham noted that he was pleased with the range of possible solutions  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.