The Traffic and Road Safety Advisory Panel met on Monday 13 May 2024 to discuss a range of transport and road safety issues. Key topics included the progress of traffic and parking schemes, a review of road fatalities, and the borough's long-term transport strategy. Decisions were made regarding the prioritisation of parking schemes and the noted report on road fatalities.

Heritage Pinner Cycle Way Project

The Heritage Pinner Cycle Way project was discussed following a public question from Mr David Summers, who raised concerns on behalf of Pinner Synagogue. Mr Summers stated that the project, as currently proposed, did not have the support of local traders on Marsh Road, Pinner, nor Pinner Synagogue itself. He highlighted that the proposal would continue the current situation where pedestrians and cyclists share the pavement at the corner of Marsh Road and Cecil Park, which he described as a significant concern for the synagogue due to cyclists taking shortcuts across its front door. In response, it was confirmed that the project is considered a high priority for delivering cycling infrastructure. While acknowledging that not all proposals would be universally supported, the aim is to find a balance. The analysis of consultation responses and amendments to the proposals are being worked on, with a decision on next steps due shortly. A site meeting was agreed to be facilitated in the coming weeks, involving local ward councillors, officers, Mr Summers, and other key stakeholders, following the review of consultation results.

Station Road and Sheepcoat Road Cycle Route

A public question from Paul Vichard raised concerns about the omission of a proposed cycle route along Station Road and Sheepcoat Road, linking Willstone Town Centre with Northwick Park Hospital, from Harrow's draft long-term transport strategy. The response indicated that the long-term transport strategy is a high-level policy document and does not include specific project details, which are found in the Transport Local Implementation Plan. The cycleways delivery programme does not currently include this route as it does not meet funding requirements. However, two routes running parallel to Station Road along quieter residential streets are in design and are expected to be consulted on later in the financial year, serving development sites along the corridor. Any proposals outside the Local Implementation Plan would require separate funding.

Whitmore Road and Drury Road Junction Safety

Mr D Pat Pat raised concerns about road safety at the junction of Whitmore Road and Drury Road, following a serious incident on 3 December where a motorcyclist sustained a broken femur. He noted that a high percentage of cars cut the corner at this junction, and expressed dissatisfaction with the council's stance that it is solely a motoring offence. Mr Pat Pat requested the installation of a pedestrian island to prevent motorists from cutting the corner, slow down traffic, and provide a safe crossing for pedestrians. He also highlighted that a similar incident involving a cyclist in North Harrow took three years to address. The council acknowledged the seriousness of the incident and stated that the collision is still under police investigation. Until the investigation is complete, feedback on the cause and potential measures cannot be provided. The council committed to chasing the police investigation to expedite the process.

Petition Regarding Camberwell Road

Councillor Parrik presented a petition from residents of Camberwell Road concerning congestion, speeding, and parking issues. The petition highlighted that speeding has reached a critical point, and parking for residents is a significant problem, exacerbated by parents from local schools parking indiscriminately, blocking driveways, and being abusive. The residents also expressed concern about the high risk of accidents when crossing Camberwell Road, particularly at the junction with Edgewear Road, due to the lack of filtered lights. Councillor Parrik noted that this was not the first time the issue had been raised and that a serious incident involving a car overturning had occurred recently. The petition, with 77 signatures, requested Harrow Council to address these issues. The council acknowledged the petition and stated it would be collected and acknowledged.

2023/24 Traffic and Parking Schemes Programme Update

The panel received an update on the 2023/24 traffic and parking schemes programme. All schemes designated for construction are underway or will commence shortly, with completion expected by mid-June. An update on the Honeypot Lane scheme indicated a reduction in the area consulted on for the 40 mph limit to the northbound side between Queensbury Circle and Collins Avenue. Several 20 mph zones, including Madison Way and Pinner Park Avenue, are progressing, with some awaiting decisions. Schemes for Lucas Avenue, Rainers Lane area, and Southfield Park, along with other previously petitioned roads like Manaway and Priory Way, are in the design phase and will move to consultation shortly. Junction improvements at George V Avenue, Pinner Road, and Station Road are being taken forward in 2024/25, with potential implementation of one junction depending on engagement and design processes. The report also detailed the regular cycle training programme and updates on parking management schemes and local safety parking programmes. Concerns were raised about delays in implementing schemes where public consultation occurred over a year ago, with assurances given that these are now moving forward.

Road Fatalities Review

The panel reviewed a report detailing road fatalities in the borough over the last 18 months. Five locations were highlighted:

• Station Road/Station Road Junction, North Harrow: A male cyclist died following a collision with an SUV. Investigations found no highway factors contributing to the accident. Consultants are currently exploring options to improve the junction as part of a wider project.
• Mollison Avenue, Wealdstone: An elderly female died following a car-on-car collision where speed was a factor. A public consultation for a 20 mph zone with sinusoidal humps concluded with majority support, and implementation is subject to a portfolio holder decision.
• Uxbridge Road/Waxwell Lane Junction, Pinner: An elderly male pedestrian died after a collision with a car. Investigations are continuing with Transport for London (TfL) feedback, and a pedestrian refuge island will be installed.
• George V Avenue/Headstone Lane, North Harrow: An elderly pedestrian died following a collision with a car where speed was a factor. Investigations indicated that an informal crossing point was not feasible due to level changes. Increased road markings and signs will be introduced, and the police investigation is ongoing.
• College Hill Road, Kenton Lane/Mountside, Belmont/Harrow Wealdstone: A 25-year-old female cyclist died after a collision with a car at a roundabout. Recommendations from a police site visit have been implemented, including refreshed road markings and bollard replacement. Speed surveys indicated speeds did not exceed the posted limit. The police investigation is ongoing.

Concerns were raised about the pace of action on these fatalities and the need for greater urgency. The council confirmed that locations near schools are given high priority in their scoring process.

Annual Parking Programme Review

The panel reviewed the annual parking programme, which outlines the identification, prioritisation, development, and implementation of parking management schemes. The report included appendices detailing controlled parking zone (CPZ) maps, the proposed parking management programme for 2024-25, a priority list of parking issues, and the scheme development process. A new appendix outlined the strategic CPZ consultation rollout programme. Discussions included the allocation of motorcycle parking, the potential for e-ticketing for motorcyclists, and the need for bespoke solutions to local parking demands. Concerns were raised about the timing of reviews for existing CPZs and the potential for residents to provide feedback that differs from official observations. The prioritisation of schemes, including those related to Stanmore College and North Harrow Road, was discussed, as was the potential use of N-SIL money for parking schemes. The impact of new developments on parking stress and the need for ward councillors to be involved in scheme development were also highlighted.

Harrow Long-Term Transport Strategy

A presentation was given on Harrow's long-term transport strategy, developed with consultants and due for public consultation in mid-to-late May. The strategy aims to align with the Mayor's Transport Strategy, promote a sustainable road user hierarchy, and adopt a movement into place framework. It outlines the current transport infrastructure challenges and proposes strategies for improvement to support the local economy and development. The consultation period is expected to run until the end of June, with a final approval target of October Cabinet. Concerns were raised about the effectiveness of previous strategies and the lack of clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in the current document. Suggestions were made to include targets for reducing car ownership and use, consider the needs of an aging population and disabled people, and improve cycling infrastructure, citing examples from other countries. The accuracy of cycle route representations on maps within the strategy was also questioned. The council stated that there would be a mechanism for monitoring the strategy's delivery through time-bound plans.

Reappointment of Advisors

The panel agreed to the reappointment of current advisors, thanking them for their work. The next meeting is scheduled for 10 July.