Agenda item

The Cabinet Member considered a petition from residents of Catlins Lane, Chamberlain Way, Pinner requesting a 20mph speed limit with no loss of roadway parking. In support of the petition, the petitioners raised their concerns and suggestions which included the following:-

·         Petitioners believed that traffic calming measures implemented in Cuckoo Hill had severely impacted on Catlins Lane and Chamberlain Way creating a dangerous traffic situation as a large number of vehicles, particularly commercial vehicles, were using these roads as a 'rat run' to avoid humps and speed restrictions in Cuckoo Hill;

·         Much of the vehicular traffic in Chamberlain Way was associated with residents, driving school vehicles, Harlyn School parents and delivery traffic;

·         It was confirmed that Catlins Lane was considered to be a dangerous road with a number of blind bends;

·         There were increasing numbers of speeding vehicles and several accidents had occurred; cars had been damaged and petitioners expressed concern that there could potentially be a fatal accident;

·         2 speed surveys had been conducted - one in 2013 and one in 2016 -but to date no action had been taken following these;

·         In 2016, 15,000 vehicles were surveyed; 40% of which were found to be travelling at a speed in excess of the 30mph speed limit;

·         Petitioners believed that the creation of a 20mph zone along these roads would discourage dangerous driving. They also requested that a stretch of pavement along the road be repaired as a part of it was damaged at present.

Councillor Duncan Flynn attended the meeting and spoke as Ward Councillor in support of the petition, expressing concern regarding the volume of traffic and safety issues in Catlins Lane and Chamberlain Way. Councillor Flynn drew attention to the existence of the driving test centre at the bottom of Tolcarne Drive and stated that this further exacerbated traffic issues. He also noted that Harlyn School had doubled in size which had created extra traffic pressures. Councillor Flynn stated that Catlins Lane was a steep, narrow rural feeling road with poor lighting and blind turns; there had been quite a few minor accidents and near-misses along the road. It was also mentioned that there was also, in some places, no proper footway for pedestrians to walk along which was another area of concern.

Councillor John Morgan also spoke in support of the petitioners stating that Catlins Lane had originally been constructed to serve a local farm and was not suited to the volume of traffic using it. He felt it was important that measures be taken to slow down or divert the traffic in Catlins Lane and Chamberlain Way.

Councillor Burrows listened to the concerns of the petitioners, thanked them for submitting such a detailed petition and responded to the points raised. He noted that the recent speed survey had shown that 40% of vehicles were found to be exceeding the speed limit which meant that 60% of vehicles were travelling at an acceptable speed. It was important to look at the police KSI accident data which focussed on the number of accidents involving a death or serious injury. Analysis had shown that, for the three year period ending December 2016, there had been no recorded incidents on Catlins Lane itself.

Councillor Burrows suggested that a further vehicular survey should be carried out as the last one was in June 2016. This would be performed by an independent company not by the Council. It was confirmed that the surveys would be conducted in January 2018. In addition to this, it was agreed that Vehicle Activated Signs (VAS) would be erected in February 2018; once the surveys had been completed. It was also confirmed that the surveys would not be conducted during school holiday times as this would affect the results. Petitioners were informed that the residents would be consulted as to where the speed survey tubes should be positioned to ensure that they were not placed in the slowest section of the road; they were also reminded that the tubes would need to be attached to street furniture.

RESOLVED:  Meeting with the petitioners, the Cabinet Member:

1)    considered the request for a 20mph speed limit in Catlins Lane and Chamberlain Way, Pinner;

2)    noted the detailed information provided with the petition;

3)    noted the latest available Police recorded personal injury data for Catlins Lane;

4)    noted the findings of a previous independent traffic volume and speed survey; the results of which were tabled in the body of the report;

5)    noted that in 2012 traffic calming measures were implemented in nearby Tolcarne Drive, at which time it was suggested that further measures in other adjacent roads might follow if funding allowed;

6)    agreed that the petition hearing provided a fresh opportunity for residents to make representations about the kind of measures they may wish to see in Catlins Lane and Chamberlain Way;

7)    agreed that Catlins Lane be added to the VAS programme for installation in February 2018;

8)    requested that officers undertake independent traffic surveys in January 2018 at locations agreed by the petitioners and local Ward Councillors and then report back to the Cabinet Member.

Reasons for recommendations

The petition hearing will provide a valuable opportunity to hear directly from the petitioners of their concerns and suggestions.

Alternative options considered / risk management 

None at this stage.