Agenda item

The Cabinet Member considered a petition from residents requesting traffic calming measures on Nestles Avenue, Hayes. The lead petitioner, and two other petitioners, attended and made the following points:

• In order to calm traffic, a 20mph zone and/ or the installation of speed bumps were requested as this was deemed essential for the safety of residents and other users of the road, as some drivers were driving at up to 50mph.
• The lack of traffic calming measures also lead to aggressive tailgating and noise pollution, in part due to people using the road to speed test their performance vehicles.
• Four key points were referred to:
  1. Reversing into driveways – this was impractical/ dangerous due to speeding drivers. This also meant having to reverse out of driveways which was also dangerous. It was also noted that parked cars were an issue when coming out of driveways, as speeding cars would not always see vehicles coming out of the driveways.
  2. Aggressive tailgating – it was noted that there were occasions where vehicles tailgated so closely that bumpers came into contact.
  3. Overtaking on Nestles Avenue on the short distance to Harold Avenue. The distance from Station Road, at one end of Nestles Avenue, to Harold Avenue, the first turning, was 500m.
  4. Verbal abuse of drivers – the petition organiser noted that speeding drivers had verbally abused other drivers, and noted personal experience of this.
• There was a strong feeling among residents for a 20mph zone.
• The road was often used as a shortcut in both directions to avoid traffic lights at the Station Road end of Nestles Avenue. Drivers used excessive speeds when using this shortcut.
• The existing ‘no right turn’ sign at the end of Nestles Avenue into Station Road was frequently ignored.
• The 800m length of the road was often used by people with performance cars, which also created a lot of noise pollution, especially near the Nestles Avenue Children’s Centre.
• The petition organiser asked that, in relation to the recommendation for 24/7 traffic surveys, the current pandemic be taken into account with regards to the current reduced levels of traffic. This was noted by officers, and the Cabinet Member suggested that lockdown may bring about lasting change to working conditions (i.e. working from home) which may lead to less traffic in the longer term.

Councillors Farley, Gardner and Oswell attended as Botwell Ward Councillors, and Councillor Oswell spoke in support of the petition, making the following points:

·       The issue of street racers using performance vehicles was noted in Botwell Ward and Pinkwell Ward.

·       Nestles Avenue was a long, straight, wide road, from Station Avenue to Harold Road, where overtaking often occurred. There was parking on only one side of the road which left enough space for overtaking. The length of the road also encouraged speed racers to test their performance vehicles.

·       It was recommended to visit the road to note the behaviour of drivers.

·       Although a 20mph zone would have been beneficial, it would have been difficult to administer.

·       The ‘no right turn’ sign being ignored was also noted, as was the presence of ‘street racers’.

·       A scheme in North Hyde Road was referenced.

The Cabinet Member noted that he had visited the road, although noted a reduction in traffic due to the current lockdown. The Cabinet Member also noted that there was existing work and investigations underway by Transport Officers in relation to the new development.

A map of the area was presented, and officers explained that the ‘no right turn’ was previously implemented to deal with a problem of rat-running between Bulls Bridge roundabout and the Town Centre. The possibility of camera enforcement at the junction was noted. It was also noted that there is no access at the North Hyde Gardens end of Nestles Avenue. The long, straight nature of the road was referenced, and the re-development of the former Nestles factory site was noted.

Councillor Farley noted first-hand experience of overtaking and tailgating. Councillor Farley had observed drivers ignoring the ‘no right turn’ sign and suggested that a 20mph zone also could be ignored. Councillor Farley noted that he was in favour of traffic calming measures, and the new development on Nestles Avenue would lead to increased traffic levels.

Councillor Gardner noted that the area was often used as a circuit by drivers who drove down North Hyde Road, turned left up Harold Avenue, up Nestles Avenue, and made a right turn, ignoring the ‘no right turn’ sign.

The Cabinet Member noted that he was in favour of implementing traffic calming measures, but noted that some mitigation measures may lead to increased noise. Existing work in relation to the new development was referenced. The Cabinet Member also noted that a potential new bus route could ease traffic.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet Member for Public Safety and Transport:

1.    Met with petitioners and listened to their concerns in regard to traffic speeds along Nestles Avenue, Hayes;

2.    Asked officers to undertake 24/7 automated traffic counts, at appropriate times, at locations along Nestles Avenue, Hayes to be agreed with petitioners and local Ward Councillors; and

3.    Instructed officers to consider potential traffic calming measures as part of the wider multi modal transport scheme along Nestles Avenue, in consultation with officers from ASBET and police liaison officers.

Reasons for decisions

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.