Agenda item

The Cabinet Member considered a petition from residents requesting that a 20 mph speed limit and traffic calming measures be provided on Swakeleys Drive and Court Road to prevent speeding and rat running. Representatives from the petition were in attendance and made the following points: 

·         The petition was primarily in response to the issue of speeding however after speaking to other residents it became apparent that there were also concerns of rat running.

·         More people driving contributed to more vehicles on the road. This had also increased due to new developments in the area.

·         Many people used mobile phone navigations, and often this did not differentiate the different road types and the impact of traffic congestion on these roads.

·         There has been a number of near miss incidents causing serious concern for resident safety. 

·         It was virtually impossible to cross the road due to the speed of vehicles and there was a real risk of life threatening injuries stemming from vehicle speed.

·         It was requested that a 20 mph speed limit be introduced to manage the speeding concerns.

·         Traffic filtering measures could improve the situation and the quality of life for residents.

·         There was a growing concern for young pedestrians particularly as there were two schools nearby.

·         Residents were keen to work with officers to deliver solutions.

Councillor Riley listened to the concerns of the petitioners and responded to the points raised. Councillor Riley accepted that speeding was an issue in the area and noted it was clearly a busy road that had been impacted by HS2 road closures. It was acknowledged that the London Borough of Hillingdon had the third highest car ownership in London. It was also explained that the 20 mph speed limit was difficult to enforce as the national speed limit was 30 mph.

The Transport Planning and Development Team Manager explained the traffic survey consultation process. Once the investigations had concluded, the results would be analysed, and appropriate support measures would be considered. Residents were invited to agree suitable locations for where the surveys should be undertaken.

Councillor Riley agreed that 24/7 traffic surveys would be completed. This information was useful to inform the process as they provided information on the speed of vehicles, volume of traffic and the types of vehicles using the road. The results from the surveys would be shared with Ward Councillors. Cllr Riley requested that officers consider the points raised and suggest traffic calming measures that could be put in place to resolve the issues raised.

In considering the matters, Councillor Riley made the following decisions. 

RESOLVED:

Meeting with the Petitioners, the Cabinet Member for Public Safety and Transport:

1)    met with petitioners and listened to their request for traffic calming and rat run traffic mitigation on Swakeleys Drive / Court Road, Ickenham;

2)    asked officers to undertake 24/7 automated traffic counts at locations along Swakeleys Drive and Court Road as agreed with petitioners;

3)    asked officers to consider as appropriate the request for traffic calming and rat running mitigation on Swakeleys Drive / Court Road, Ickenham.

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.