Agenda item

The Cabinet Member considered a petition from residents requesting the introduction of traffic calming measures and a speed reduction on Exmouth Road, Ruislip. The Lead Petitioner was in attendance and made the following points: 

·         The petitioner had lived in Exmouth Road for around 40 years and had noticed more instances of dangerous driving speeds in the last few years, specifically as vehicles approached the bend in Exmouth Road;

·         There had been a number of smaller incidents including crashes and bumps, the type of collisions that were not reported to police but were common on Exmouth Road;

·         Petitioners also highlighted the existing double yellow lines on the inside of the bend in Exmouth Road, noting that many drivers parked on the outside of the bend where there were no double yellow lines; this added to the potential driving hazards in the vicinity.

Ward Councillor for Cavendish, Councillor Teji Barnes, was in attendance and spoke in support of the petitioners making the following points:

·         It was noted that Exmouth Road was often difficult to navigate for drivers and it was common for drivers to speed up as they approached what was a blind bend in the road;

·         The number of junctions along Exmouth Road, specifically the crossroads with Barnstaple Road added to the risk of road traffic accidents and there had been many near misses;

·         Traffic issues along Exmouth Road and the immediate vicinity were regularly raised as resident enquiries in Cavendish Ward;

·         The Ward Councillor fully supported the petitioners as residents were worried about potential serious injury as a result of the traffic situation.

The Cabinet Member thanked petitioners for submitting their petition and discussed a number of potential tools at the Council’s disposal to address the issues raised. It was noted that it was no longer commonplace for traditional speed bumps to be introduced but similar speed cushions or a vehicle activated speed sign could be options. However, it was highlighted that any implementation of traffic calming measures, and funding thereof, would need to be justified with data collected by a 24/7 automated traffic survey. Petitioners were informed that the survey would stay in place for one week and collect a range of data to help inform the next steps.

With regard to double yellow lines and the vehicles regularly parked on the outside of the bend in Exmouth Road, the Cabinet Member noted that although parked cars on the bend were a hazard, they could act as a warning sign to drivers encouraging them to slow down for the bend. The Cabinet Member concluded by instructing officers to explore whether additional double yellow lines may be appropriate at the bend of, and at the junctions along Exmouth Road.

The exact locations of the automated traffic count were then agreed by the petitioners and officers.

RESOLVED: That the Cabinet Member for Public Safety and Transport:

1)    Met with petitioners and listened to their concerns with regard to speeding and road safety at the bend of Exmouth Road, Ruislip;

2)    Asked officers to undertake 24/7 automated traffic counts at the locations along Exmouth Road agreed with petitioners, and to report back to the Cabinet Member on the outcome.

3)    Asked officers to investigate whether additional double yellow lines may be appropriate at the bend of, and junctions along Exmouth Road.

Reasons for decisions

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

Alternative options considered / risk management

None at this stage.