Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

There were no declarations of interest.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting dated 11 January 2023 be approved as a correct record.

It was confirmed that all items were marked Part 1 and would therefore be considered in public.

Councillor Kaur arrived at the beginning of this item.

David Knowles, Head of Transport and Town Centre Projects, was present for this item and introduced the report by noting the Committee’s request to further understand if there had been an increase in, or if there was to be an anticipated increase in, parking pressures experienced on residential streets in the vicinity of the two Elizabeth Line stations in the Borough, West Drayton and Hayes & Harlington stations. It was highlighted that the Elizabeth Line had opened fairly recently and was overwhelmingly welcomed as its ability to allow fast access to central London would bring opportunity and prosperity to the areas around those stations. With the prospects brought in by the Elizabeth Line, it was expected that there would be an impact on the residents around the train stations, particularly in the form of parking pressures.

It was highlighted that parking restrictions in the area of the Borough covered by the Elizabeth Line stations had been in growing and developing for over two decades, and that there had been some recent interest in expanding these measures, for example in Coldharbour Lane and North Hyde Road, both within the vicinity of Hayes & Harlington station. In response to questions from the Committee, it was highlighted that although there was a heightened public interest in West Drayton and Hayes as a result of the Elizabeth Line, the immediate parking pressures brought on were not substantive due to the extensive existing parking management schemes and restrictions in those areas; it was noted that petitions from residents were a primary driver in determining what local appetite there was for parking restrictions and recent feedback from residents had only indicated a desire for modifications or extensions to existing restrictions such as an extension to the operating hours of certain schemes, as seen in Warwick Road, West Drayton. Members noted how changing commuter habits could start to change how parking restrictions were implemented as traditionally, one or two hours of restrictions during weekday day time would be enough to deter commuters from putting pressure on residential parking; however, this could change to more of an issue of overnight commuter parking.

The Committee noted how, in addition to potential parking pressures brought on by the introduction of the Elizabeth Line, there were also those who would leave their vehicle for an extended period of time in an area with few parking restrictions in order to catch a bus to Heathrow Airport, know as fly-parking. Officers noted that demand for parking restrictions was very much resident driven and it was not uncommon for prospective schemes to fall through as the resident demand, which had originally presented the issue, was no longer there upon consultation. For clarity, the Committee were informed of the usual process for implementing a new parking management scheme (PMS) and it was highlighted that this process could take a substantial amount of time. Officers explained that the first step towards a PMS was usually a petition being received  ...  view the full minutes text for item 47.

David Knowles, Head of Transport and Town Centre Projects, was present for this item and introduced the report by noting that the link between this item and the previous one was that resident demand, often through the Council’s petition process, was the primary driver behind the introduction of measures. It was initially highlighted for the benefit of residents’ knowledge that the police were the only authority that could enforce speeding violations, and that safety cameras, often referred to as speeding cameras, could not be installed by local authorities, therefore requests for such cameras could not be followed up by the Council. There were a number of tools available to the Council in terms of mitigating the impact of speeding vehicles in the Borough as outlined in the report; one of these measures was the installation of vehicle activated signs (VAS), of which the Council had recently agreed the purchase of a new set of VAS and Members were encouraged to give their feedback as Ward Councillors as to suggestions for appropriate locations around the Borough for the new signs. It was noted that there was no legal process required to install a VAS which meant they were a relatively fast method of introducing traffic calming measures.

Speed tables were also discussed as another relatively common traffic calming measure in the Borough and an important tool at the Council’s disposal to slow traffic. It was noted that these were often requested by residents by way of petition which was a useful technique for displaying resident support for such measures; however, a recent example was given as to a petition which requested the removal of speed tables that had been installed as a result of a request brought about by a previous petition, this was due to the noise created by HGVs, primarily lorries carrying skips, when they hit the speed tables. Members noted that the noise created by larger vehicles and HGVs when encountering speed tables was a burden for those residents living within the immediate vicinity of speed tables; Members were encouraged to galvanize residents into submitting a petition in those instances whereby they can directly suggest actions that they would like to see the Council take. Members discussed the parameters of speed tables and the viability of colouring them with yellows or reds to ensure their visibility and that drivers would associate them with a hazard. Officers noted that the parameters of speed tables were defined in legislation and as a duty of care, the Council must ensure that what is installed is fit for purpose; it was also added that the Council could consider installing coloured speed tables and had installed a number of coloured tables previously where there was either a red anti-skid coating on the top of the speed table or an entire zebra crossing installed upon the speed table, however it was noted that with coloured tarmac would come increased maintenance costs.

The Committee discussed concerns regarding motorists who ignored traffic restrictions with regard to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 48.

RESOLVED: That the Property, Highways and Transport Select Committee noted the Cabinet Forward Plan.

The Committee noted the work programme, and it was confirmed that officers were working on organising a site visit for the Committee to attend and observe the Council’s Rhino Patch resurfacing machines as part of the Committee’s major review into highways resurfacing. Members noted that they would like to see the site visit take place as soon as possible to ensure the review is completed in a timely manner.

RESOLVED: That the Property, Highways and Transport Select Committee noted the Committee’s work programme.