Agenda and draft minutes

The lead petitioner and supporting residents expressed deep concern regarding road safety issues on Edinburgh Drive, particularly at the Glebe Avenue end near Douay Martyrs School. Residents described a perceived significant risk to life due to high vehicle speeds and dangerous driver behaviour. It was reported that a local resident tragically lost their life on Glebe Avenue not long ago, and residents remained fearful of further serious incidents occurring if no preventative measures were taken.

Petitioners highlighted the presence of a blind spot near the school and alleged instances of reckless and abusive driver behaviour. Reports included vehicles mounting the kerb and cutting across corners in a hazardous manner. Residents stated that there had already been two to three collisions in the area, heightening their fears for vulnerable residents such as schoolchildren, dog walkers, and elderly pedestrians.

A key issue raised was the impact of school traffic on congestion levels, particularly during the afternoon school run. Petitioners reported that parents often abandoned vehicles in front of residential properties, blocking driveways and restricting residents’ ability to exit their homes. Additional concerns were raised regarding traffic entering from Long Lane and causing disruption, particularly to those living along Edinburgh Drive.

In terms of proposed measures, residents suggested introducing a one-way system and speed humps to manage vehicle speeds more effectively. Petitioners acknowledged that a previous traffic assessment concluded most drivers were within the speed limit but argued that it only takes one reckless driver to cause significant harm. They also referenced recent confusion regarding a black bin bag covering a sign near the slip road on Glebe Avenue, which had contributed to road user uncertainty regarding the existing one-way system.     

It was further stated that there had recently been a head-on collision at the Douay Martyrs end of the road, resulting in severe delays lasting up to three hours. Petitioners added that during school pickup times, vehicles are regularly parked outside of marked bays, further increasing the risk of collisions.

The Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing and Growth acknowledged the concerns raised and confirmed familiarity with the local area, including Douay Martyrs School. The Cabinet Member asked petitioners whether the volume of traffic was significantly higher during school start and finish times.           

Petitioners responded that congestion typically began around 2:30pm, particularly along Long Lane and the Glebe Avenue junction, where drivers were reportedly using residential streets as cut throughs to access the school. Concerns were also raised that although traffic wardens occasionally visited the area, enforcement was inconsistent and often ineffective.          

The Cabinet Member noted the previous fatality on Glebe Avenue, the issue with the obstructed road sign, and the recent head-on collision, and committed to further investigating these matters.     

The Head of Transportation acknowledged that the core issues appeared to be school-related, with high volumes of vehicular traffic coinciding with school run periods. It was noted that the catchment area for Douay Martyrs was extensive, with many students travelling from further afield, often by car due to parental choice.

It was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8.

The lead petitioner addressed the meeting and raised several concerns relating to road safety along Cornwall Road. The primary issue highlighted was the excessive speed of vehicles travelling along the road, particularly during early morning hours between approximately 6:30am and 7:00am. The petitioner described how vehicles frequently travelled at such high speeds that their parked vehicle visibly shakes, and that this speeding behaviour continues throughout the day and was not limited to typical rush hour periods.

Cornwall Road was described as a cut-through route for motorists seeking to join the A40 towards the Polish War Memorial. The petitioner, who has lived on Cornwall Road for approximately one year, explained that while the Council previously installed traffic islands and a speed indicator device at the opposite end of the road, these measures have proven to be largely ineffective in addressing the ongoing problems.

Motorists were reported to accelerate sharply after exiting the roundabout at Victoria Road and proceed down Cornwall Road at dangerous speeds, often unaware of an approaching bend. This had led to instances of road rage and aggressive interactions between drivers.

The petitioner stated that some drivers had been observed deliberately avoiding the traffic islands by driving on the wrong side of the carriageway, posing a significant risk to pedestrians, other drivers, and parked vehicles. The petitioner further raised concerns about the danger faced by residents when attempting to reverse out of their driveways due to the speed of passing traffic. This issue is said to affect residents at all times of day.

Particular concern was expressed for the safety of children and vulnerable residents, especially when entering or exiting parked vehicles on the street. Residents felt they are placed in unsafe situations on a daily basis due to persistent speeding and disregard for road safety.

The petitioner confirmed that they had informally raised these concerns with the local Safer Neighbourhood Team.

RESOLVED: That the Cabinet Member:

1.    Met with petitioners and listened to their request for ‘traffic calming measures’ for Cornwall Road, Ruislip;

2.    Asked officers to commission independent 24/7 speed and traffic surveys on Cornwall Road, at locations agreed with petitioners and Ward Councillors; and

3.    Advised petitioners that the installation of of so-called ‘speed cameras’ is not within the Council’s gift but are assessed and managed by an organisation known as The London Safety Camera Partnership (LSCP)