Agenda item

The lead petitioner addressed the petition regarding traffic issues on Ayles Road, explaining that the road runs north–south on both sides of a central green and currently operates as a two-way system on each side. Due to the narrow width of around 5 to 5.3 metres and vehicles permanently parked along one side, there is insufficient space for two-way traffic. This often leads to stand-offs between drivers, particularly when buses or larger vehicles are involved, creating safety concerns and access issues for emergency vehicles.

The petitioner explained that buses, refuse vehicles, and delivery vans frequently drive onto the central green to pass other traffic. The road is also used as a cut-through between Kingshill Avenue and Yeading Lane, and navigation apps already show it as a one-way route. This contributes to congestion and confusion, particularly where vehicles enter from The Greenway without visibility of oncoming traffic.

In response to previous comments suggesting that a one-way system could reduce the attractiveness of the area, the petitioner disagreed, stating that such a system would instead improve safety and traffic flow. She noted that Ayles Road includes two intersections, meaning residents would not be inconvenienced in reaching their properties, and speeding was not considered a significant issue in this location. The petitioner concluded by noting that parking pressures are increased by nearby facilities, including the Barnhill Community Centre and St Raphael’s Church.

The Cabinet Member invited the Head of Transport and Town Centre Projects to comment on the petition. The Head of Transport and Town Centre Projects noted that although Ayles Road currently operates informally as a one-way system due to the layout and bus movements, it may be appropriate to consider making this arrangement formal. He recognised the petition was well supported but explained that the majority of signatories did not live directly on Ayles Road. Therefore, before any decision was made, the Council would carry out an informal postal consultation with all affected residents to gather their views.

The Head of Transport and Town Centre Projects noted that one side of Ayles Road consists mainly of flats with limited access, and this would be considered as part of any consultation. He advised that residents should respond directly to the consultation even if they had already signed the petition, as their feedback would assist Members in making a balanced decision. He also noted that formal one-way systems can sometimes lead to higher vehicle speeds, which would need to be considered when reviewing the results.

The Cabinet Member acknowledged the petitioner’s long-term local knowledge and agreed that the Council could not proceed without first consulting residents and Transport for London, given the road’s use as a bus route. He approved the two recommendations in the report: to meet with the petitioner and to instruct officers to undertake an informal consultation on the potential for one-way working on Ayles Road in collaboration with ward councillors. The outcomes of this consultation would be reported back to the Cabinet Member for consideration once completed.

Resolved

The Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing & Growth:

1)    Met with petitioners and listens to their request for a one-way system for Ayles Drive, Hayes; and

2)    Decided officers should undertake an informal consultation on a possible one-way working in an area agreed with ward councillors.