Agenda item

Councillors John Riley and Philip Corthorne attended the meeting and spoke as Ward Councillors for West Ruislip.

Petitioners raised a number of concerns and suggestions, including the following:

·         It was pointed out that the accident data provided did not include near misses which were happening regularly; particularly in the vicinity of Whiteheath Infant School at drop off / pick up times;

·         A reduction in the speed limit to 20 mph was suggested;

·         More consistent parking restrictions were suggested to maintain two-way traffic;

·         A second zebra crossing was proposed further along Ladygate Lane to the west;

·         Restrictions on HGV traffic (often related to HS2) would help to reduce traffic and improve safety;

·         The second access point to the Bowls Club could be re-opened to improve traffic flow;

·         Footpaths were narrow due to overgrown grass verges – these were in need of maintenance;

·         New school governors at Whiteheath Infant School were now engaged and supported parking restrictions on one side of the road to reduce the speed of traffic;

·         Whiteheath Junior School was already engaging and had agreed a one-way voluntary road system;

·         Whiteheath was the only school within a 10 miles radius where the roads around it did not have 20 mph speed restrictions.

Councillor Philip Corthorne expressed his support for the petitioners’ request for waiting restrictions. He confirmed that additional signatures had been received since the original petition was submitted to the Council. Councillor Corthorne highlighted his concerns regarding road safety in the area and suggested that the introduction of an HGV weight table would be advisable.

Councillor John Riley was also supportive of the petitioners and highlighted the need for a package of measures to resolve the speeding and parking issues in the area. He expressed his concerns regarding the safety of Whiteheath school children. Councillor Riley confirmed that he had been working with the Bowls Club for some time and felt that the opening of the second access gate would go some way to alleviate the problems in the area. Other suggestions included rumble strips and flashing speed signs.

Councillor Burrows listened to the concerns of residents and Ward Councillors and responded to the points raised. He informed residents that the police data only recorded those incidents which had resulted in personal injury. It was noted that rumble strips were effective but also noisy. The Traffic, Parking, Road Safety and School Travel Manager advised petitioners that the consultation regarding weight restrictions for HGVs in Ladygate Lane had now concluded and it is expected that cameras will to be introduced to enforce said weight restrictions. It was confirmed that Council officers would visit the area to consider all possible solutions, including VAS signs, double yellow lines, waiting restrictions and one-sided parking. Site visits would take place at busy periods and in adverse weather conditions.

Councillor Burrows advised petitioners that the Council needed evidence from traffic surveys to support the installation of traffic calming measures before any further action could be taken. Ward Councillors and residents were invited to indicate where the traffic survey tubes and the proposed zebra crossing should be located. The lead petitioner had kept a record of all incidents witnessed such as HGVs colliding with trees or spilling their goods when they drove too quickly over speed humps. It was agreed that this information would be passed to the Traffic, Parking, Road Safety and School Travel Manager to be shared with HS2. Whiteheath Schools would be requested to liaise with parents regarding examples of near misses in the area. Moreover, it was agreed that Council colleagues in the Highways Maintenance Team would be requested to resolve the issue of overgrown grass along the footpaths.

The Cabinet Member moved the recommendations as set out in the report.

RESOLVED: Meeting with the petitioners, the Cabinet Member for Planning Transportation and Recycling:

1)    Listened to their concerns over road safety and parking on Ladygate Lane and Whiteheath Avenue, Ruislip;

2)    Noted the previous petition submitted by residents of Whiteheath Avenue, Ruislip and works already undertaken;

3)    Asked officers to investigate possible options to mitigate the concerns raised by petitioners and then to report back to the Cabinet Member;

4)    In light of the petitioners’ testimony, instructed offers to commission independent 24/7 traffic speed and volume surveys at locations with the petitioners and Ward Members;

5)    Instructed officers from the Council’s Road Safety and School Travel Team to build on the excellent work with the Junior School and continue to seek engagement by the Infant School.

Reasons for recommendations

To allow the Cabinet Member to discuss with petitioners their concerns and, if appropriate, add their request to the parking scheme and road safety programme.

Alternative options considered / risk management

These will be discussed with petitioners.