Agenda item

The Cabinet Member considered a petition from residents requesting pedestrian safety movements in Hayes Town Centre. In support of the petition, the petitioners spoke of their concerns and suggestions including the following:

·         Concerns were raised about pedestrian safety when crossing roads.

·         There were difficulties accessing the shops as people struggled to cross the busy roads particularly disabled people and people with young children.

·         A request was made for a controlled crossing near the Hesa Centre in Station Road and improvements to the road markings and signage for pedestrians.

·         Concerns were also raised about speeding and request were made for appropriate measures to enforce the 20 mph speed limit.

·         The moderation and improvements to the town centre were highly welcomed. It was noted that since the Hayes town project, shops appeared to be blooming and there was not a single shop empty.

·         This petition represented the views of business owners in Hayes town.

Councillor Peter Curling attended the meeting and spoke as Ward Councillor in support of the petition. He attested all the submissions made and requested action to be taken before there were any serious incidents. He explained that pedestrian crossings were hazardous due to confusing signage, excess speeding, and narrow and congested roads.

Councillors John Oswell and Scott Farley also attended the meeting and supported the petition as Ward Councillors. They requested for the zebra crossings to be implemented as soon as possible.

Councillor Burrows listened to the concerns of the petitioners and responded to the points raised. It was noted that 43 meetings were held with stakeholders from Hayes Town stakeholders including the Hayes Town Business Forum. The date for the crossing had been agreed and funding for the works had been arranged, other works were being completed as capital release. It was also confirmed that works needed to be undertake in line with Crossrail projects and not hinder that work in any way. Therefore, Councillor Burrows confirmed that some work is being phased out on a timely basis in line with Crossrail construction and will be expedited as soon as practicable in the circumstances.

In considering the matters, Councillors Burrows made the following decisions. 

RESOLVED –

Meeting with the petitioners, the Cabinet Member:

1.            Discussed with petitioners their concerns with pedestrian safety within Hayes Town Centre.

2.            Considered the extensive consultation undertaken with residents and businesses, including the formation of the Hayes Town Centre Stakeholder Working Group.

3.            Took into account the meeting held with petitioners in October 2018 to discuss their concerns.

4.            Noted the revised design to incorporate a new formal crossing in Station Road, outside the Hesa clinic.

5.            Noted officers' request for Transport for London to carry out a review of the crossing time for the new signalised pedestrian crossings in Hayes Town Centre.

6.            Acknowledged that the raised tables that have been implemented as part of the scheme have been built to their maximum permissible height and cannot be increased in height as a consequence.

7.            Noted the implementation of 'Rhino Imprint' to support not only the traffic calming measures for the 20mph scheme but also assist pedestrians by providing a 'midway point' when using various informal crossing points.

8.            Asked officers to carry out a review of all 20mph signage to determine if improvements can be made.

9.            Reassured the petitioners that in common with all improvement schemes, officers will continue to monitor the scheme to determine that the objectives of the improvements are being met.

Reasons for decision

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

Alternative options considered / risk management

None at this stage.