Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest.

It was confirmed that the business of the meeting would take place in public.

The Cabinet Member considered a petition requesting a zebra crossing to West Drayton Station from Ferrers Avenue Bus Stop.

The lead petitioner put forward to the Cabinet Member some reasons to action the request for a zebra crossing. Key points raised by the petitioner included:

West Drayton Station bus stop had remained closed for a considerable period due to delayed works being undertaken by Network Rail. This had created a hazard for residents travelling from Ferrers Avenue Bus Stop as they crossed the busy road, particularly during rush hour.

Where pedestrians attempted to cross either in front of or behind the bus stop, oncoming cars could not see them attempting to cross. As a result, pedestrians found it increasingly difficult to cross the road safely.

The lead petitioner noted that they had experienced trouble on the road, both as a pedestrian and as a driver. There was a particular risk that drivers could knock someone over unintentionally.

Although it was readily acknowledged that there was an existing pedestrian crossing in the area, this was not always used because it was in an inconvenient location. Suggestions were made to replace the underused pedestrian crossing with a zebra crossing, or to relocate the crossing to right next to Ferrers Avenue Bus Stop to enable users to cross the road safely.

Councillor Mohammed Islam, representing West Drayton Ward, expressed that without a pedestrian crossing to West Drayton Station from Ferrers Avenue Bus Stop, there was a high risk for accidents to take place, especially during rush hour, causing safety hazards for bus users and others making their way to the station. Pedestrians often used the Warwick Road entrance to the station.

Councillor Scott Farley, also representing West Drayton Ward, emphasised the issue of the delayed road works being carried out by Network Rail. It was highlighted that there was a significant walk to West Drayton Station from both south and north sides of the railway drop off points.

In a previous meeting with the Cabinet Member, Network Rail had given assurance that the survey of the sewer, which was the reason for the delay on Station Approach, was due to take place this month, and a copy of their report would be made available to the Council.

It was acknowledged that people did not always walk to zebra crossings as when investigations had been carried out into whether it was safe to install a zebra crossing, it was often not where people wanted it.

The Cabinet Member noted that they would instruct officers to undertake a survey of pedestrian activity.

Officers noted that Ferrers Avenue bus stop was on a junction, and so to put a zebra crossing here would require moving the bus stop, which may lead to a loss of parking. Officers noted the suggestion of converting the existing crossing into a zebra crossing and would investigate, although the Cabinet Member was concerned that if some pedestrians ignore the existing crossing point, there remained a fair likelihood that some of them  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

The Cabinet Member considered a petition requesting ‘speed reducing measures’ in Harmondsworth Road.

The lead petitioner attended and addressed the Cabinet Member.

The petitioner had lived in the road for over 30 years and the issue of speeding has been getting worse. There had been incidents of drivers doing a claimed 70-80mph on the road. There had been numerous accidents on the main road and smaller side road, and there had been fatalities. There was a zebra crossing on the road, but this was often ignored by drivers, and an accident had occurred on the zebra crossing itself. Residents needed something to slow drivers. A lot of drivers also used their mobile phones whilst driving.

Speed signs may not work, and perhaps road humps would be more suitable as this was a dangerous road. There was disregard for safety.

Councillor Scott Farley attended as West Drayton Ward Councillor and addressed the Cabinet Member.

Councillor Farley highlighted the bridge over the M4, and on the south side, the road leading towards Harmondsworth Villages was a national speed limit road. People were note taking any consideration when approaching a residential area. Speeding occurred in both directions over the bridge, particularly from motorbikes. The Councillor has personally witnessed this.

An investigation was asked for to ascertain what could be done in terms of mitigations. There was also concern about speeding in the slip road, which was also used as a rat run. It was requested that the Cabinet Member commit to traffic surveys, and that any subsequent mitigations be installed as applicable.

A statement from Councillor Jan Sweeting, Ward Councillor, was read out.

The petition of 52 signatures indicates the depth of concern which residents are feeling regarding the high speed of motorists and other vehicles along both the main Harmondsworth Road as well as the residential road which is parallel.

The main Harmondsworth Road is a very busy main road which is increasingly seeing heavy lorries, skip lorries and buses vying with motorists at speed along this road.  The geography of this road says it all, with the long and straight downwards stretch from Holloway Lane, over the M4 motorway into West Drayton, with cars going at speed towards the junction of Laurel Lane which is also heavily congested at many times during the day.

There have been a number of serious incidents along this stretch of road as the officer’s report states.  There have also been a number of near misses and minor incidents which residents have witnessed.

The road is a dangerous one at the best of times and with increased use over the last few years, it is more so.

I wholly support any and all traffic calming measures along this stretch of road which would seek to reduce speed.  These could including signing, flashing lights, rumble strips etc.

As to the residential road with the same name, the problem here is that it is being used as a rat run when the adjacent Laurel Lane road is congested,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 13.

The Cabinet Member considered a petition requesting the introduction of speed bumps in Nobel Drive.

The Cabinet Member noted the unusual shape of the road, and the nearby residences.

Officers suggested liaising with the police to ascertain their views.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet Member for Property, Highways and Transport:

1)    Asked officers to liaise with the Metropolitan Police to ascertain their views; and

2)    Subject to the above, ask officers to commission independent 24/7 traffic and speed surveys on Nobel Drive at locations agreed with petitioners and Ward Councillors.