Agenda and minutes

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 the following interest was declared:

Agenda Item 5 – Petitions

CouncillorMrs Eileen Kinnear indicated that she would be submitting a petition in relation to Roxborough Park.  As a result, and prior to submitting the petition, she declared a personal interest in that she regularly attended Our Lady and St Thomas of Canterbury Church, which was situated in Roxborough Park. 

That the minutes of the meeting held on 25 November 2009 be taken as read and signed as a correct record.

RESOLVED: That, subject to the following amendments, the minutes of the meeting held on 25 November 2009 be read and signed as a correct record of the meeting:

·                    minute 185, line 2, to read ‘Cavendish Avenue’, instead of ‘Cavendish Road’;

·                    minute 188, paragraph 3, line 3 to read ‘inconvenience traffic in general’, instead of ‘inconvenience motorists’.

To receive deputations (if any) 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 provision 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 14 (Part 4E of the Constitution).

The following petitions were presented at the meeting:

1.                  CouncillorNarinder Singh Mudhar presented a petition containing 71 signatures on behalf of members of the Roxborough Residents’ Association.

The terms of the petition were as follows:

“We, the undersigned, hereby petition the Council to take urgent action to prevent obstructive parking of motor vehicles in that part of Roxborough Park to the south of the junction with Roxborough Avenue, perhaps by the provision of strictly-enforced double yellow lines.  We do so on following grounds:-

When there is parking on both sides of the road, it is not possible for large emergency vehicles to get through to points beyond that junction.  This obstruction happens frequently but most consistently on all school days, mainly between 8.30 and 9.15 am and between 3.00 and 3.45 pm, on Saturdays between 5.45 and 7.15 pm and on Sundays, between 8.20 and 12.30pm and between 6.15 and 7.45pm.

The obstruction caused by such parking also restricts vision and is dangerous to other road users, both drivers and pedestrians.

Drivers resident in the upper part of Roxborough Park, and in Pickwick Place and Maxted Park, often experience severe difficulty in gaining access and egress from their homes.

Vehicles are regularly parked half on the pavement, causing damage and, in some places, forcing pedestrians to walk in the roadway.”

2.                  CouncillorMrs Eileen Kinnear presented a petition containing 48 signatures from residents in the Whitmore School area. 

The terms of the petition were as follows:

“We protest to Harrow Council about the very significant increase of parking which has occurred in our road in the recent past.  We believe that much of this may be associated with the development of Whitmore School.  There may also be a ‘knock-on’ effect from restriction of parking in the vicinity of the Town Centre.

But we believe that this parking is intrusive, and it has a negative impact on our environment.  We request the Council to investigate the problem and take steps to rectify it as soon as possible.”

3.                  CouncillorMrs Eileen Kinnear presented a petition containing 505 signatures from worshippers at the Church of Our Lady and St Thomas of Canterbury in Roxborough Park.

The terms of the petition were as follows:

“We the undersigned were most concerned to learn that residents of this area were collecting a petition requesting the imposition of double yellow lines on parts of the roads near here.  These restrictions are apparently to operate at certain times only – specifically to prevent parking during the times of Masses on Saturday evening/during the day on Sundays.  If granted, we believe these restrictions would seriously disadvantage our community – as people attending services on previous Good Fridays (a High Holy day for us) – have found to their cost.

The Church was founded in 1878.  It is the premier Catholic Church in Harrow with over 1300 parishioners at Mass over the weekend.  It is a beacon for our community and worshippers attend  ...  view the full minutes text for item 196.

To receive questions (if any) from local residents or organisations under the provisions of Advisory Panel and Consultative Forum Procedure Rule 16 (Part 4E of the Constitution).

RESOLVED:  That in accordance with Advisory Panel and Consultative Forum Procedure Rule 15 (Part 4E of the Constitution), that the following deputations be received:

·                    Pupils from Whitchurch School – requesting that a dedicated pedestrian phase be incorporated into the signalised crossing at the junction of Marsh Lane, Wemborough Road and Whitchurch Lane;

In response to questions from the Panel, following their deputation, the pupils of Whitchurch School stated that they would like the traffic lights at Marsh Lane to have a green man facility. Officers advised that they would meet with the school in order to discuss an appropriate way forward.

·                    A resident living in Longcrofte Road was concerned that there were no residents parking facilities during the one hour restriction in Longcrofte Road, Stanmore;

Following questions from a Member regarding parking restrictions on Longcrofte Road, Stanmore, the deputee replied that the yellow lines had been in operation for approximately 14 years, which had resulted in a reduction in available parking spaces in the area.  He added that due to the number of dropped kerbs and homes with multiple car owners, the situation had not improved.  He requested that the Council introduce a residents parking scheme. Following questions from Members about possible solutions to this situation, an officer stated that the parking restrictions in this area would be reviewed in 2011/12.

·                    Residents living in Rees Drive, Partridge Close and Chevalier Close requesting that the Panel reconsider the decision to implement double yellow lines as part of the Stanmore Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ);

With regard to parking restrictions in Rees Drive, Partridge Close and Chevalier Close, a resident advised that the streets had not suffered from intrusive event or commuter parking, adding that residents had not properly engaged with the original consultation.  An adviser to the Panel stated that 20 event days at Wembley Stadium had been timetabled for 2010 and that residents need not be inconvenienced by blanket parking restrictions for the remainder of the year.  The Portfolio Holder for Environment and Community Safety stated that the views of residents would be taken into consideration and reported to the Panel in June.

·                    Residents in Berry Hill requesting changes to the CPZ in Berry Hill and surrounding areas.

Although residents generally supported the CPZ they felt that the restrictions should not be in force on Saturdays and that the operational times should be altered to minimise parking problems for a nearby Medical Centre. With regard to the CPZ in Berry Hill and surrounding areas, an officer stated that changes to the operational days and times of a CPZ would cost in the region of £45k. This was referred to in the annual CPZ report to be considered by the Panel. The Portfolio Holder for Environment and Community Safety stated that the restrictions were as a result of a democratic consultation process.  She added that, the area would be included as part of the Stanmore CPZ review and that pay and display bays at Canons Corner and additional  ...  view the full minutes text for item 197.

Report of the Corporate Director Community and Environment.

The Panel considered a report of the Corporate Director Community and Environment detailing requests and representations received during the year, and recommended priorities for the introduction and review of Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) and associated parking restrictions.

Minor amendments to the Priority List for 2010/11 financial year to March 2012, in Appendix C, were circulated at the meeting.

An officer drew the Panel’s attention to the CPZs, resident parking schemes and the prioritised schemes for 2010/11.  He explained that the budget for 2010/11 was lower than in 2009/10 and stated that £310,000 had been allocated for the review of CPZ, including £20,000 for problem streets.  The officer added that the reduction in funding would impact on implementation of schemes, advertising and officer time and confirmed that the conclusions of the six-month reviews would be reported to TARSAP.

In response to questions, an officer confirmed that £30,000 allocated from a section 106 agreement for Biro House, would be used to deal with parking issues in Stanley Road.

An adviser to the Panel stated that consultation meetings were often poorly attended and there should be greater use of the internet to inform residents; an officer confirmed that email notices were sent out to statutory consultees and residents’ groups to advise them of details of stakeholder meetings; a Member asked if Ranmoor Gardens and Harley Road were due for review, an officer confirmed that these roads were not included in this report but he would contact the Member directly.

The Portfolio Holder for Environment and Community Safety stated that the Neighbourhood Champions Scheme would ensure better engagement with local residents.

Referring to the Harrow on the Hill area, a Member, who was invited to speak on this item by the Panel, voiced concerns about the lack of progress on the development of a CPZ in this area.  She added that a petition on this matter had been submitted in November 2008, as parking in the area had been a long standing issue. She stated that petitioners had requested a CPZ in this area to address commuter and business parking, which inconvenienced some residents.  She offered to meet with officers with a view to taking this matter forward.

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

That subject to funding, the priority list as revised, setting out the Controlled Parking Zones programme at Appendix C of the report, be adopted, and officers be authorised to carry out consultation and scheme design for formal approval. 

Reason for Decision:  To prioritise the Controlled Parking Zones and Parking Schemes programme.

Report of the Corporate Director of Community and Environment.

The Panel received a report of the Corporate Director Community and Environment outlining petitions that had been received since the Panel meeting on 25 November 2009.  The petitions related to:

·                    Cavendish Avenue – request to address speeding and parking problems

An officer stated that traffic surveys would be undertaken to establish vehicle speeds and this information would be shared with the Police. If appropriate officers would consider the installation of speed activated signs that advise motorists of their speed, which should help to improve safety.

·                    Shaftesbury Avenue, Harrow – request for pedestrian crossing

An officer stated that the possibility of installing a pelican or a zebra crossing had been considered at Shaftesbury Avenue.  He added that the existing pedestrian refuge could be considered for an upgrade to a zebra crossing and this would be investigated.  A Member expressed her disappointment that the original petition presented to Cabinet had been misplaced, adding that crossing parts of Shaftesbury Avenue was particularly hazardous for the elderly and children.

·                    Four roads in Marlborough ward – request for renewing footways and resurfacing of roads

An officer stated that this petition had been forwarded to the Service Manager in Harrow Engineering who would respond to the petitioners directly.

·                    WatlingMedical Centre – request for changed period of restrictions

An officer explained that a major consultation exercise was underway with regard to 80 locations in Stanmore with CPZs in operation, the findings of which would be reported to the June 2010 Panel meeting.  He added that he anticipated discussions with the Medical Centre to see if further parking bays could be added.

·                    Stanmore Controlled Parking Zone – request for reduced and/or variable restrictions from certain roads (2 petitions)

In response to a Member’s question relating to Rees Drive regarding the removal of the double yellow lines in the vicinity, an officer stated that:

·                    there had been a meeting with representatives of the residents’ group in January 2010 to explain that there were no allocated funds in the existing programme to tackle major changes such as the days of operation of the CPZ controls;

·                    CPZs were implemented on an area-based approach and that Traffic Orders were prescribed in legislation.  He added that it was obligatory to publish Traffic Orders in the press which incurred advertising costs;

·                    that the request to reduce the extent of the double yellow lines was included in the parking review and the results would be reported to the June 2010 Panel meeting.  He advised that the request to remove Saturday restrictions were outside the scope of the review.

·                    258 Bus Route – request for extra bus stop by Hive Road

An officer stated that this had been granted and that traffic officers were liaising with Transport for London (TfL) over this.

·                    Headstone Lane – request for controlled crossing near railway station entrance

An officer reported that the decision not to place a controlled crossing on the sharp bend in Headstone Lane near the station entrance had  been conveyed to the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 199.

Report of the Corporate Director Community and Environment.

The Panel received a report of the Corporate Director Community and Environment detailing funding available for transportation projects in Harrow for 2010/11, made available from Transport for London (TfL), Capital funding and other grants.

Following a question from a Member regarding the petition for a zebra crossing in Mollison Way, an officer stated that the zebra crossing would be considered as part of the 2010/11 programme.  He added that in addition to the Capital funds there would be a small revenue budget available of around £62,000.

In response to a request from a Member for officers to investigate and consult stakeholders regarding parking problems at the Mollison Way surgery, an officer reported that £100,000 had been allocated for officers to investigate this matter in 2010/11 as part of a comprehensive review of transportation issues in the area.

A Member commented that the children’s cycle training at Elmgrove School was benefiting children, adults and local partners.

A Member sought clarification on why Petts Hill appeared on the funding list twice.  An officer explained that £333,000 had been allocated under two different work streams, Neighbourhoods and Corridors in order to pay back the interest on the loan for the Petts Hill highway works.

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted.

Report of the Corporate Director of Community and Environment.

The Panel received a report of the Corporate Director Community and Environment regarding progress on key traffic and parking schemes. Amendments to the freight schemes were tabled at the meeting.

Following questions from a Member about timescales for completion of the parking schemes, an officer explained that the report detailed a two-year project which was due to be completed by 2011.  He added that the Petts Hill Bridge and Highway improvements in Harrow Town Centre were due to be completed before the Christmas 2010 trading period.

RESOLVED:  That the report be noted.

Which cannot otherwise be dealt with.

(i)                 Traffic and Highway Network Manager

The Portfolio Holder Environment and Community Safety stated that Dennis Thompson, Traffic and Highway Network Manager, would be leaving Harrow Council.  She offered her sincere thanks to him for his help and support over the years, and wished him well for the future. The Chairman also expressed his appreciation for the dedication of Dennis Thompson over the years.  This was endorsed by an Advisor.

(ii)               Vote of Thanks

The Chairman stated that this was the last meeting of the Panel for the Municipal Year 2009/10 and, on behalf of the Panel, he expressed his appreciation to Members, Advisers and officers for their work.  This was echoed by the Leader of the Labour group.