Agenda item

The lead petitioner was not in attendance but submitted a written representation, which was acknowledged by the Cabinet Member. In their submission, the petitioner highlighted the following points:

• Botwell Lane had become increasingly busy, noisy, and stressful over recent years.

• The road had a history of speeding, which had resulted in harm to animals and near misses.

• The area was surrounded by schools, parks, and conservation areas and had the potential to be a pleasant residential environment.

• Residents were frequently disturbed by early morning horn use, street racing, modified exhausts, and excessive speeds.

• Persistent parking pressures were worsened by through traffic using the road as a cut through.

• Noise pollution was impacting residents’ sleep, wellbeing, and mental health.

• Traffic volumes discouraged walking, cycling, and children’s independence.

• Concerns were raised regarding the safety of children and families.

• A request was made for a serious review of traffic calming measures, including consideration of a low traffic neighbourhood scheme.

• Reference was made to existing measures, including road narrowing and a 16 tonne weight limit, which indicated a historic need for intervention.

• It was suggested that additional measures such as street trees, width restrictions, enforced weight limits, and modal filters could contribute to a calmer environment.

• The petitioner expressed willingness to work with the Council as part of any review or trial process.

It was noted that the Ward Councillor for Wood End was not in attendance but had submitted written correspondence in support of the petition, which was acknowledged by the Cabinet Member.

Ward Councillors for Hayes Town submitted written representations in support of the petition and highlighted the following points:

• Full support was given to the residents’ petition.

• The length of Botwell Lane was in urgent need of measures to address antisocial driving behaviour.

• The road was used as a racetrack by some drivers, particularly in the evenings.

• The route formed part of a bus route, was located near a school, and was frequently used as a cut through.

• A request was made for all possible action to address illegal and antisocial driving behaviour.

The Traffic, Parking, Road Safety and School Travel Team Manager advised that any proposed interventions must be supported by robust evidence. It was recommended that independent traffic speed and volume surveys be undertaken in coordination with Ward Councillors and the lead petitioner.

It was explained that pneumatic tubes would be installed across the carriageway to collect data on:

• Vehicle speeds and volumes.

• Direction of travel.

• Timing of incidents.

• Types of vehicles using the route.

This data would provide a comprehensive evidence base to inform future assessments.

The Cabinet Member acknowledged the concerns raised and approved the recommendations set out in the officer report.

RESOLVED: The Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing and Economic Growth:

1. Met with petitioners and listened to their request for traffic calming measures for Botwell Lane, Hayes; and

2. Decided that officers should commission independent 24/7 speed and traffic surveys on Botwell Lane at locations agreed with petitioners and Ward Councillors.