Agenda and minutes

The Panel received a report of the Interim Head of Public Realm Infrastructure, which set out the findings of the public consultation exercise for a proposed 20mph zone scheme in Whitefriars Avenue.  An advisor reported that although he had been consulted, his comments on the requirements of cyclists did not appear to have been included.  He reiterated that non?slip paint should be used for signs on the road and that the gradient of road humps should not be as steep as those on Hindes Road.  Officers responded that non-slip paint would be used and that humps used in more recent schemes had a gentler gradient.

Members considered the enforcement of the 20mph speed limit through the introduction of traffic calming measures.  An officer reported that where 20mph zones had been implemented, with speed cushions, there had been a significant reduction in speed and accidents and that if more severe traffic calming measures were introduced, emergency services response times would be affected.  A Member suggested the use of 20mph vehicle speed activated signs but officers informed Members that the Council only possessed signs that displayed the 30mph speed limit. The Panel requested that officers consider the use of 20mph vehicle speed activated signs at all 20mph zones.

Members also considered the environmental impact of the introduction of a 20mph zone and were advised that the impact would be negligible as the zone area was small.

Resolved to RECOMMEND:  (to the Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Public Realm)

That (1) officers be authorised to take all steps necessary to introduce a 20mph zone in the Whitefriars Avenue area of Wealdstone as shown at Appendix B to the report, the details of which be delegated to officers, subject to:-

(i)                   the consideration of any formal objections to the advertised statutory notices;

(ii)                 funding being made available by Transport for London (TfL).

[REASON:  To address safety concerns on Whitefriars Avenue in the vicinity of Whitefriars First and Middle School.]

The Panel received a report of the Interim Head of Public Realm Infrastructure, which explained the reasons for the proposed road safety scheme and contained the results of the consultation.

In response to Members’ questions, an officer explained that the chicanes at each end of the scheme would require drivers to move completely on to the other side of the road.  As drivers would not be in the centre of the road on the approach to the chicanes, they would be more likely to observe the priority signs. The edges of build-outs would be painted with reflective paint and gullies would be installed where appropriate at the build-outs to prevent ponding.

A Member commented that in the future there could be increased traffic due to the redevelopment of the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital and the Temple on Wood Lane, and that, while the scheme may be successful when implemented, it might need to be reassessed at a later date.

The adviser representing cyclists’ interests explained that he had several concerns.  He suggested introducing a ‘run-through’ for cyclists and relocating one chicane to aid cyclists.  An officer explained that due to the narrow road width and the required signs and bollards which would need to be accommodated on the build-out, there would be insufficient width for a cycle gap. The officer explained that a meeting would be held with the advisor to review the feasibility of providing a cycle gap.

Resolved to RECOMMEND:  (to the Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Public Realm)

That the scheme shown in Appendix B be implemented.

[REASON:  To improve road safety and residential amenity.]

The Panel received a report of the Interim Head of Public Realm Infrastructure, which informed Members that there had been an objection to the traffic order.  It was explained that during consultation, 84% of Wychwood Avenue residents had opposed parking controls in their road, and 75% opposed parking controls even if controls were introduced in the next road.

The Chairman advised the Panel that the relevant residents’ association was happy with the officer recommendations.

The Panel considered the petition received at the meeting, requesting the introduction of ghost capes on certain corners.

Resolved to RECOMMEND:  (to the Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Public Realm)

That (1) the objection be set aside for reasons given in the report;

(2)  the petitioners’ request for Wychwood Avenue to be included in the proposed scheme be considered when the annual Controlled Parking Zones programme was reviewed in February/March;

(3)  the advertised scheme, shown at Appendix A, be implemented;

(4)  the petitioners be advised accordingly.

(5)  officers take appropriate action to introduce ghost capes on the junctions of Howberry Road with Wychwood Avenue, Wychwood Close, Du Cros Drive and Cheyneys Avenue.

[REASON: To control parking and to improve residential amenity.]

(See also Minute 41).

The Panel received a report of the Interim Head of Public Realm Infrastructure, which set out the details of a highway scheme for the junction of Bridge Street and Love Lane in Pinner, together with results of the public consultation that was carried out on the proposals.  The report also addressed the contents of a petition that had been received by officers.

Members discussed the proposals in detail and raised the following issues:-

·                     implementing 24 hour waiting restrictions;

·                     parking for disabled drivers;

·                     the effect of the scheme on the provision of loading and unloading facilities for local businesses;

·                     the impact on buses turning if vehicles were parked on the corners of the roundabout;

·                     whether negotiation with shopkeepers could take place to improve the service roads at the rear of their premises to facilitate rear servicing.

In response to questions about whether the 183 bus route could be extended to Northwood Hills to negate the need for turning at the junction of Bridge Street and Love Lane, the adviser from Harrow Public Transport Users’ Association informed Members that when this had been requested by the Association in the past, London Buses Ltd. had refused.

An amendment to the officer recommendation was moved, and carried and it was

Resolved to RECOMMEND:  (to the Portfolio Holder for Community Safety and Public Realm)

That the Portfolio Holder (1) approve the scheme for implementation, subject to consideration of any objections to the traffic order relating to the waiting restriction upgrade;

(2)  delegate authority to officers to finalise details of the scheme, including investigating relocation of the traffic island in Love Lane, the provision of an island on the northbound approach to the proposed roundabout and make the necessary traffic orders, the Statement of Reasons to be “to improve safety and facilitate U-turning by buses”;

(3)  authorise officers to advise the head petitioner accordingly.

[REASON:  To enable the scheme to be implemented, improve traffic flow and increase safety.]

(See also Minute 42).

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

Reserve Members may attend meetings:-

(i)                 to take the place of an ordinary Member for whom they are a reserve;

(ii)               where the ordinary Member will be absent for the whole of the meeting; and

(iii)             the meeting notes at the start of the meeting at the item ‘Reserves’ that the Reserve Member is or will be attending as a reserve;

(iv)              if a Reserve Member whose intention to attend has been noted arrives after the commencement of the meeting, then that Reserve Member can only act as a Member from the start of the next item of business on the agenda after his/her arrival.

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

To receive declarations of personal or prejudicial interests, arising from business to be transacted at this meeting, from:

(a)               all Members of the Committee, Sub Committee, Panel or Forum;

(b)               all other Members present in any part of the room or chamber.

RESOLVED:  To note that there were no declarations of interests made by Members in relation to the business transacted at this meeting.

To consider whether any of the items listed on the agenda should be considered with the press and public excluded on the grounds that it is thought likely, in view of the nature of the business to be transacted, that there would be disclosure of confidential information in breach of an obligation of confidence or of exempt information as defined in Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1972 (as amended).

RESOLVED:  That all items be considered with the press and public present.

That the minutes of the meeting held on 20 September 2006 be taken as read and signed as a correct record.

A Member commented that members of the Panel should be updated on the progress made with regards to the School Travel Plans.

RESOLVED:  That (1) the minutes of the meeting held on 20 September 2006 be taken as read and signed as a correct record;

(2) officers provide Members with the requested information.

To receive questions (if any) from local residents or organisations under the provisions of Advisory Panel and Consultative Forum Procedure Rule 15 (Part 4E of the Constitution).

RESOLVED:  To note that no public questions were received at this meeting under the provisions of Advisory Panel and Consultative Forum Procedure Rule 16 (Part 4E of the Constitution).

To receive petitions (if any) submitted by members of the public/Councillors under the provisions of Advisory Panel and Consultative Forum Procedure Rule 13 (Part 4E of the Constitution).

RESOLVED:  To note the receipt of the following petition which was considered alongside the report on Howberry Road and Howberry Close Yellow Line Waiting Restrictions Scheme – Objection To Traffic Orders and referred to the Interim Head of Public Realm Infrastructure for consideration in relation to the introduction of ghost capes:

Petition requesting that the implementation of ghost capes be considered for Wychwood Avenue, Wychwood Close, Du Cros Drive and Cheyneys Avenue junctions with Howberry Road

Presented by Councillor Mrinal Choudhury.

(See also Recommendation 3).

To receive deputations (if any) under the provisions of Advisory Panel and Consultative Forum Procedure Rule 14 (Part 4E of the Constitution).

RESOLVED:  That, in accordance with Advisory Panel and Consultative Forum Procedure Rule 15 (Part 4E of the Constitution), a deputation be received from the Vice Chairman of the Pinner Association outlining concerns about the proposed mini-roundabout at the junction of Love Lane and Bridge Street.

(See also Recommendation 4).

Report of the Interim Head of Public Realm Infrastructure

(See Recommendation 1).

Report of the Interim Head of Public Realm Infrastructure

(See Recommendation 2).

Report of the Interim Head of Public Realm Infrastructure

(See Recommendation 3).

Report of the interim Head of Public Realm Infrastructure

(See Recommendation 4 and Minute 42).