Agenda item

Petitioners were not in attendance, but Ward Councillors Janet Gardner and Peter Curling spoke in support of the requested traffic calming measures on Pump Lane, Hayes.

Key points highlighted included:

·         The area formed part of a larger ‘racetrack’ in Hayes Town used by ‘boy racers.’ Car meets also caused unacceptable noise disturbance to residents and lead to antisocial behaviour.

·         The Police had been called to investigate the matter in the past but, by the time they had arrived, the offenders had already moved on. However, residents were encouraged to call the Police to ensure their concerns were recorded.

·         The situation was concerning as people often drove at speed in a very dangerous manner.

·         It was noted that a bus service along Pump Lane was proposed.

·         The current width restriction had a large gap in the middle which was sometimes used by boy racers. Others used Pump Lane car park to bypass the width restriction which was very concerning and dangerous.

·         Problems in Pump Lane had been the subject of discussion for many years and traffic calming measures had been proposed in the past. Given the new development in the area the need for these was even more pressing. 

·         Any traffic surveys would need to capture all the relevant data – concerns were raised that an accident could easily happen given the level of dangerous driving in the area.

In response to questions from the Cabinet Member, it was confirmed that some of the car meets in the area appeared to be organised events while others were groups of local young people congregating in the area.

The Cabinet Member noted the need for further investigation of the current Pump Lane car park layout given that it was reportedly being used as a cut through. He underlined the importance of Police involvement.

The Transport and Aviation Team Manager informed the Cabinet Member that a new bus service was planned which would run from Southall, along Pump Lane and terminating at ASDA in Hayes. It was possible that the current width restriction would need to be removed to accommodate this bus route. However, it was noted that the current width restriction arguably acted as a traffic calming measure hence this would need to be taken into account when considering which measures to introduce.

In response to further requests for clarification from the Cabinet Member it was confirmed that, were the current width restriction to be removed, CCTV cameras would be installed to ascertain whether heavy goods vehicles were using the road for legitimate purposes or whether they were using it as a short cut.

The Cabinet Member noted the importance of ongoing monitoring of the situation in Pump Lane.

It was agreed that 24/7 speed and traffic surveys would be undertaken, and Ward Councillors were invited to recommend where these should be positioned.

RESOLVED: That the Cabinet Member:

1)    Met with and heard from Ward Councillors regarding the 20mph zone and traffic calming measures on Pump Lane, Hayes as proposed by petitioners; and

2)    Asked officers to commission independent 24/7 speed and traffic surveys on Pump Lane, at locations agreed with Ward Councillors.