Agenda and minutes

To note the attendance at this meeting of any duly appointed Reserve Members.

RESOLVED:  To note that there were no Reserve Members in attendance at this meeting.

To receive declarations of disclosable pecuniary or non pecuniary interests, arising from business to be transacted at this meeting, from all Members present.

RESOLVED:  To note that no declaration of interests were made at the meeting.

That the minutes of the meeting held on 10 July 2024 be taken as read and signed as a correct record.

RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meeting held on 10 July 2024 be taken as read and signed as a correct record.

To receive any public questions received.

Questions will be asked in the order in which they were received.  There will be a time limit of 15 minutes for the asking and answering of public questions.

[The deadline for receipt of public questions is 3.00 pm, 8 November 2024.  Questions should be sent to publicquestions@harrow.gov.uk

No person may submit more than one question].

RESOLVED:  To note that one public question had been received and responded to.

To receive petitions (if any) submitted by members of the public/Councillors.

A petition, containing 90 signatures, had been referred by Cabinet (25 July 2024) regarding road safety measures on Devonshire Road and Sussex Road.

The terms of the petition were as follows:

“We the undersigned support the reintroduction of the 20mph limit in Devonshire Road and Sussex Road, HAl, along with speed humps to address the persistent issues with “rat-running” and speeding traffic.  We also support road safety measures to assist younger and older residents crossing Pinner View at the junction with Sussex Road where traffic speeds are frequently unsafe due to “rat-running”.  We urge Harrow Council to bring forward proposals to implement these changes as soon as possible.”

RESOLVED:  That the petition be received and referred to the Acting Strategic Director of Environment, Culture and Economy for consideration.

To receive deputations (if any).

RESOLVED:  To note that there were none.

Report of the Strategic Director of Environment, Culture and Economy

The Panel received the Petitions Report, which set out details of the petitions that had been received since the last Panel meeting on 10 July 2024.  The report provided details of the Council’s investigations and findings where these had been undertaken.

In accordance with Rule 4.1.1 of the Constitution, the Panel agreed that Councillor Nitin Parekh speaks on this item.

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted.

Report of the Strategic Director of Environment, Culture and Economy

The Panel received the Traffic and Parking Schemes Programme Update 2024-25, which provided an update on progress with the 2024/25 traffic and parking management programme of works.

In accordance with Rule 4.1.1 of the Constitution, the Panel agreed that Councillor Nitin Parekh speaks on this item.

Officers presented two scheme options earmarked for funding on the recommendation of the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Highways.  There were:  a proposed footway extension on Common Road; or a zebra crossing on Potlock Avenue.  The Panel supported the latter.

The Cycling Adviser asked a number of questions, to which the Chair advised would be responded to by officers at a later date.  In particular, the Cycling Adviser was concerned that the selection of locations for the Healthy School Streets Programme should not exclude independent schools.

Furthermore, the Adviser expressed concern that back routes for cyclists were being promoted by the Council, and her association was not supportive of that.  She also commented that a broken white line painted on a road did not protect cyclists from motor traffic.  Drivers could park there, meaning that cyclists using the lane had to come out into the overtaking traffic.  This was a manoeuvre only for skilled and confident cyclists.

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted.

Report of the Strategic Director of Legal and Governance Services

The Panel received a report on the appointment of a non-voting Adviser to the Traffic and Road Safety Advisory Panel 2024/25.

The report had been prepared as Mr Anthony Wood, who had represented the Harrow Public Transport Users Advisory Association on the Panel, had indicated that he was going to retire.

The Chair, and the Panel, thanked Mr Wood for his dedication and professionalism over many years, and wished him well for the future.

Resolved to RECOMMEND:  (to the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Highways)

That Mr Keith Maurice Nason be appointed as Adviser to the Panel representing the Harrow Public Transport Users Advisory Association.