Agenda item

The Chairman considered a petition from residents requesting traffic calming measures on Austin's Lane, Ickenham

The Lead Petitioner was in attendance and made a number of points, including:

• Highlighted Austin’s Lane as unusual due to there being no footpath, caused by the Transport for London (TfL) bridge over the Metropolitan and Piccadilly lines. Also cited no streetlighting and a small stream alongside.
• The narrow section of road which caused issues for drivers when two vehicles were travelling in opposite directions. Additionally, many different access points, namely from The Growing Tree Nursery and Glebe Primary School had contributed to complexities.
• There was no street lighting because of the aforementioned restrictions surrounding the absence of a footpath. Insufficient lighting had increased the danger due to lack of visibility for pedestrians.
• Austin’s Lane was being used as a ‘rat run’ by motorists, trying to circumvent the traffic on Long Lane who entered in through the Glebe Estate past Ickenham Train Station, and then left through Austin’s Lane. This had enabled high speeds down Austin’s Lane; for example, parents rushing to drop their children off at school. 
• It was acknowledged that an existing traffic warning sign displayed the fact that there may be pedestrians walking in the road, but regrettably this was ineffective at slowing down motorists - a stronger and clearer deterrent was required to combat this.
• The Lead Petitioner felt that physical measures such as traffic calming were needed to force a reduction in traffic speeds.
• An existing group on social media included numerous comments from residents that had similarly complained about the issues mentioned.

In response to his request for clarification, the Chairman was informed that these problems occurred throughout the day but AM and PM rush hours exhibited the worst incidents, due to the aforementioned attempts by motorists to avoid the traffic on Long Lane. The Lead Petitioner felt that the problem was most acute in the mornings, but that it was a matter of concern at all times. They also confirmed that the speeding occurred away from the residential part of Austin’s Lane, which was where the road narrowed (section of particular concern). A blind spot caused by the brow of the TfL bridge had increased the danger for motorists in this area.

Councillor Eddie Lavery, Ward Councillor for Ickenham & South Harefield reaffirmed his support (and that of Councillor Banerjee) for the petitioners stating that:

• He shared the Lead Petitioner’s concerns regarding the absence of a footpath for pedestrians which had caused serious worries for children walking to and from nearby schools and nurseries.
• He echoed the Lead Petitioner’s remarks on ‘rat running’ in this locality.
• Concluded that improved safety for residents was what was desired and suggested that guidance from the speed surveys pledged in the officer’s report could provide guidance to achieving this.

The Chairman confirmed that an incremental approach was best suited to this particular situation. Speed surveys, as referenced by Councillor Lavery, were supported by the Chairman.

Petitioners were requested to identify appropriate locations for said speed surveys.

A co-petitioner was invited to speak and raised a number of points:

·         Speed surveys were necessary but not sufficient to fully address the problems raised.

·         The main issues were not necessarily speeding but primarily the lack of visibility for drivers and pedestrians, particularly children coming in and out of the nearby park and nursery. This had been caused by the dense shrubbery.

·         Another cause of the situation had been the increased presence of non-residents using the road (potentially resulting from HS2 works) who were not aware of the presence of children - non-resident motorists would need to be reminded of this.

The Chairman noted that speed surveys were merely the first step to address the issues raised but informed petitioners that action would be taken to improve visibility for both drivers and pedestrians. The Chairman also recognised the lack of pavement which had limited resolutions to the problems and conveyed his desire for better pedestrian access.

The Lead Petitioner informed the Chairman that the fixed traffic signs were already very clear to motorists. The speeding was in fact more linked to drivers ignoring the signs and them being allegedly ineffectual.

The Chairman noted that whilst he was not always convinced of the case for wider 20mph zones, the one area where he had been supportive of the idea was where schools and similar establishments had been concerned. He asked officers if there was potential for a 20mph zone nearby to the schools mentioned by petitioners.

The Chairman observed that the Police, as opposed to the Council, held jurisdiction over speed enforcement.

RESOLVED: That the Cabinet Member for Property, Highways and Transport:

1)    Met with petitioners and listened to their request for the “implementation of

speed humps/bumps on Austin’s Lane, Ickenham”;

2)    Noted the package of improvements already undertaken by the Council; and,

3)    Decided that officers should commission independent 24/7 traffic and speed surveys on Austin’s Lane at locations agreed with petitioners.

Reasons for recommendations:

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.