Agenda item

The lead petitioner was not in attendance but had submitted a written representation which was read out for the attention of the Cabinet Member. Key points highlighted included:

·         The petition requested the installation of speedbumps on Minet Drive to address the issue of speeding vehicles, especially during evening and nighttime hours;

·         Residents were concerned about the safety of children, senior citizens, and all residents due to the dangerous environment created by speeding vehicles;

·         A recent high-speed chase in front of 28 Minet Drive had nearly caused severe damage and potentially fatal injuries;

·         The presence of small children at 28, 30, and 36 Minet Drive made the risk of speeding vehicles a constant source of anxiety;

·         Speedbumps were seen as an essential measure to protect safety and restore peace to the neighbourhood;

·         The noise from speeding vehicles, especially at night, was disruptive and distressing for families with small children;

·         There had been a noticeable rise in stolen car incidents on Minet Drive, adding to the sense of insecurity in the neighbourhood;

·         Senior citizens living on Minet Drive faced discomfort and hazards due to speeding vehicles;

·         The petitioner urged the Council to prioritise the installation of speedbumps to improve safety and reduce criminal activity.

Ward Councillor Raju Sansarpuri was in attendance in support of petitioners but chose not to address the Cabinet Member so as to not repeat the concerns already raised by his fellow Hayes Town Ward Councillors in their written submissions. 

A written submission from Ward Councillor Peter Curling in support of petitioners was read out for the attention of the Cabinet Member. Key points raised included:

• Councillor Curling had represented the area for 14 years and highlighted the problem of speeding traffic on Minet Drive and surrounding roads, which had increased in recent years;

• The roads were narrow and had originally been built for horse and cart traffic. Residents had suggested lower speed limits or a one-way system to address the issues caused by speeding motorists;

• Speed humps could create problems such as noise, flashing headlights, and issues for emergency services. However, modern traffic tables could address some of these issues;

• Councillor Curling supported the residents' petition for traffic calming measures and urged the Cabinet Member and highways officers to consider a scheme that met the residents' desires.

A written submission from Ward Councillor Janet Gardner had also been received and was read out for the attention of the Cabinet Member. Key points raised included:

• Councillor Gardner was in support of the petition due to traffic speeding concerns on the estate, which had the potential to cause accidents and damage property or people;

• Councillor Gardner had frequently visited the area and had found the speed of drivers frightening;

• Drivers often used the end of the road near the 312 bus access point to engage in antisocial behaviour in the evenings before speeding back towards Coldharbour Lane;

• Residents' expected the Council to implement measures to ensure their safety and the safety of their properties.

In response to requests for clarification from the Cabinet Member it was confirmed that concerns had previously been raised regarding Hunters Grove but nothing in respect of Minet Drive. The Cabinet Member therefore considered it advisable to undertake a wider survey of the roads in the local area.  

With regard to the issues raised by petitioners and Ward Councillors in respect of antisocial behaviour, car theft and speeding, it was confirmed that these were police matters which were not within the scope of the Council’s remit. Ward Councillors were encouraged to raise these issues with the local police.

The Cabinet confirmed that he was in support of traffic surveys being undertaken in the wider area to establish the gravity of the problem. Councillor Sansarpuri was requested to liaise with his fellow Ward Councillors to suggest preferred locations for the installation of traffic speed strips.

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

1.    Heard from petitioners and Ward Councillors and listened to their request for Traffic Calming Measures on Minet Drive, Hayes; and

2.    Asked officers to commission independent 24/7 speed and traffic surveys on Minet Drive and the surrounding roads at locations to be agreed with Ward Councillors.