Agenda item
Request for a one-way system and traffic calming measures, Edinburgh Drive & Petition For Speed Bumps Edinburgh Drive
Minutes:
The lead petitioner and supporting residents
expressed deep concern regarding road safety issues on Edinburgh
Drive, particularly at the Glebe Avenue end near Douay Martyrs
School. Residents described a perceived significant risk to life
due to high vehicle speeds and dangerous driver behaviour. It was
reported that a local resident tragically lost their life on Glebe
Avenue not long ago, and residents remained fearful of further
serious incidents occurring if no preventative measures were
taken.
Petitioners highlighted the presence of a blind spot near the
school and alleged instances of reckless and abusive driver
behaviour. Reports included vehicles mounting the kerb and cutting
across corners in a hazardous manner. Residents stated that there
had already been two to three collisions in the area, heightening
their fears for vulnerable residents such as schoolchildren, dog
walkers, and elderly pedestrians.
A key issue raised was the impact of school traffic on congestion
levels, particularly during the afternoon school run. Petitioners
reported that parents often abandoned vehicles in front of
residential properties, blocking driveways and restricting
residents’ ability to exit their homes. Additional concerns
were raised regarding traffic entering from Long Lane and causing
disruption, particularly to those living along Edinburgh
Drive.
In terms of proposed measures, residents suggested introducing a
one-way system and speed humps to manage vehicle speeds more
effectively. Petitioners acknowledged that a previous traffic
assessment concluded most drivers were within the speed limit but
argued that it only takes one reckless driver to cause significant
harm. They also referenced recent confusion regarding a black bin
bag covering a sign near the slip road on Glebe Avenue, which had
contributed to road user uncertainty regarding the existing one-way
system.
It was further stated that there had recently been a head-on
collision at the Douay Martyrs end of the road, resulting in severe
delays lasting up to three hours. Petitioners added that during
school pickup times, vehicles are regularly parked outside of
marked bays, further increasing the risk of collisions.
The Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing and
Growth acknowledged the concerns raised and confirmed familiarity
with the local area, including Douay Martyrs School. The Cabinet
Member asked petitioners whether the volume of traffic was
significantly higher during school start and finish
times.
Petitioners responded that congestion typically began around
2:30pm, particularly along Long Lane and the Glebe Avenue junction,
where drivers were reportedly using residential streets as cut
throughs to access the school. Concerns were also raised that
although traffic wardens occasionally visited the area, enforcement
was inconsistent and often ineffective.
The Cabinet Member noted the previous fatality on Glebe Avenue, the
issue with the obstructed road sign, and the recent head-on
collision, and committed to further investigating these
matters.
The Head of Transportation acknowledged that the core issues
appeared to be school-related, with high volumes of vehicular
traffic coinciding with school run periods. It was noted that the
catchment area for Douay Martyrs was extensive, with many students
travelling from further afield, often by car due to parental
choice.
It was confirmed that the Council worked closely with the
Metropolitan Police in instances of fatal collisions, and the
incident on Glebe Avenue had already been subject to joint
investigation. While police accident data for Edinburgh Drive
showed a relatively modest incident history, the aggressive and
antisocial driver behaviour reported by residents was noted and
will be taken into account.
The Ward Councillor for Ickenham & South Harefield confirmed
that this was the second petition received in a relatively short
period relating to Edinburgh Drive. The Councillor acknowledged
that previous surveys indicated most drivers were compliant with
the posted speed limit, but recognised that Douay Martyrs
School remained a major contributing factor to the traffic and
behavioural issues reported.
The Councillor referenced the introduction of a 20mph limit within
the Glebe Estate and suggested that a similar scheme may be
appropriate for Edinburgh Drive. A ‘No Right Turn’
restriction from Long Lane into Edinburgh Drive during peak periods
was also proposed to prevent use of the road as a
cut-through.
Concerns were also raised regarding the potential noise impact of
speed tables on residents living directly opposite such features,
and the possible adverse effect a one-way system could have on
increasing traffic speeds.
The Cabinet Member thanked the petitioners and Ward Councillor for
their contributions. It was clarified that while the Council can
take enforcement action on banned turns and similar traffic
contraventions, enforcement of speeding offences is solely the
responsibility of the Metropolitan Police. The Cabinet Member
queried whether the Safer Neighbourhoods Team had been
contacted.
The Ward Councillor confirmed there had been discussions but
acknowledged that the team faced resource limitations which
restrict their ability to conduct regular speed checks.
The Head of Transportation reiterated that any proposals will be
subject to resident consultation. It was noted that while traffic
calming measures such as 20mph limits were supported, residents are
advised to consider carefully the implications of installing speed
humps, as previous schemes in the borough have received petitions
for their removal due to negative side effects.
RESOLVED: That the Cabinet Member
- Met with petitioners and listened to their request for traffic calming measures and one-way system for Edinburgh Drive, Ickenham;
- Noted the results of the previous speed and traffic surveys undertaken in January/ February 2024;
- Asked officers to commission independent 24/7 speed and traffic surveys on Edinburgh Drive, at locations agreed with petitioners and Ward Councillors; and
- Asked officers to investigate the
feasibility of additional traffic management measures including
banned turn enforcement, a potential 20mph limit, and other options
as advised by the Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing and
Growth.
Supporting documents:
-
Edinburgh Drive -petitions, item 8.
PDF 339 KB
-
Appendix A - Edinburgh Drive location plan, item 8.
PDF 345 KB