Agenda item

The Cabinet Member considered a petition from St Helen’s College requesting the installation of a pelican crossing to replace the zebra crossing on Long Lane. The lead petitioner and a second representative attended and made the following points:

• Safety was paramount, and two recent incidents were noted – one involving a young child, the other involving the petitioner – as referred to in the accompanying letter from the School’s Junior Road Safety Officers (found under Paragraph 2 of the Supporting Information of the officer’s report). It was noted that these incidents were not reported to police.
• Paragraph 8 of the officer’s report’s Supporting Information was referenced, which noted that Transport for London had responsibility for traffic signals.
• Paragraph 9 was also referenced, which noted potential alternative actions which could be implemented. The ‘zebrites’ and Vehicle Activated Signs were especially encouraging possibilities. Any measures would be beneficial, as there was also another School along Long Lane.
• It was suggested that further accidents were likely to occur, given the evidence provided of two recent incidents involving members of the School.
• In 2005, School proprietors contributed over £11,000 towards the installation of the current zebra crossing.
• This crossing was regularly used, not just by School pupils/ parents/ teachers but by all members of the public.

Councillor Graham noted that the three Uxbridge North Ward Councillors were in support of the petition, and noted his personal experience of using the crossing, and Long Lane was a busy road. Councillor Graham also noted Uxbridge North Ward Councillor Goddard’s experience of the issue, as his children were former attendees of the college. Councillor Graham noted his hope for engagement with Transport for London.

The three Hillingdon East Ward Councillors were also in attendance:

• Councillor Chapman noted that he was very supportive of the petition. Councillor Chapman also noted the need for Transport for London to be involved, but welcomed the possibility of other actions, such as ‘zebrites’ and Vehicle Activated Signs.
• Councillor Bridges noted the support of all three Hillingdon East Ward Councillors and was supportive of liaising with Transport for London. Councillor Bridges also noted the importance of reporting incidents to police, if only to provide further evidence of the need for action.
• Councillor Sullivan confirmed that she agreed with what the other Ward Councillors has said.

The Cabinet Member noted that he was in support of implementing safety measures on and near the crossing. The Cabinet Member also noted that engaging with Transport for London may take time and so noted alternative measures to be implemented in the meantime, as outlined in Paragraph 9 of the Supporting Information of the officer’s report.

Officers thanked the School for their continued work with the Council’s Road Safety and School Travel Team. It was noted that the School had been working with the Hillingdon STARS team, and several School initiatives were noted, including the ‘Roadwatch Scheme’ alongside Hillingdon police.

Councillor Graham noted that he was pleased with the range of possible solutions that had been suggested in the short-term.

The petitioners noted their thanks to the Council for the ongoing collaboration with the School.

RESOLVED:

That the Cabinet Member for Public Safety and Transport:

1.    Met and discussed with petitioners their request to change the existing zebra crossing close to St Helen’s College on Long Lane, Hillingdon to a pelican crossing;

2.    Noted that the installation of a signal controlled crossing would need the support of Transport for London, the body responsible for all traffic signals across Greater London;

3.    Noted that Transport for London would levy an upfront change of £5,000 for any investigation work;

4.    Noted that there are a number of alternatives to signalisation which may be open to consideration;

5.    Asked officers from the STARS team in conjunction with the School’s Junior Road Safety Officers to review the Police reported incident data at and around the existing zebra crossing and noted the two incidents reported by the School;

6.    Noted the exceptional collaborative work undertaken between St Helen’s College and the Council’s Road Safety and School Travel Team; and

7.    Asked officers to engage with Transport for London on this matter.

8.    Asked officers to look at funding to purchase ‘zebrites’ as soon as possible.

9.    Asked officers to investigate the implementation of Vehicle Activated Signs.

10.Asked officers to investigate the potential and viability of a School Crossing Patrol Officer, subject to assessment and recruitment.

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.