The Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing & Growth, Councillor Steve Tuckwell, held a petition hearing to consider requests for traffic calming measures on Botwell Lane, Hayes, and for a one-way system on Northfield Parade, Hayes. Decisions were made to commission traffic surveys for both locations to gather further evidence before any interventions are implemented.

Botwell Lane Traffic Calming Measures

A petition requesting traffic calming measures on Botwell Lane, Hayes, between Barra Hall Circus and Botwell Common Road was considered. The lead petitioner, who was not in attendance but submitted a written representation, highlighted concerns about increased traffic, speeding, noise pollution, and anti-social driving behaviour, which they stated were impacting residents' well-being and discouraging walking and cycling. The written submission also suggested measures such as street trees, width restrictions, enforced weight limits, and modal filters, referencing existing interventions like road narrowing and a 16-tonne weight limit. Ward Councillors for Wood End and Hayes Town submitted written correspondence in support of the petition, echoing concerns about antisocial driving and the road being used as a racetrack by some drivers.

Councillor Steve Tuckwell, Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing & Growth, acknowledged the concerns. Steve Austin, Traffic, Parking, Road Safety and School Travel Team Manager, advised that any proposed interventions would need to be supported by robust evidence.

Decision: Councillor Tuckwell approved the recommendations from the officer report. This means that officers will commission independent 24/7 speed and traffic surveys on Botwell Lane at locations agreed with petitioners and Ward Councillors. These surveys will collect data on vehicle speeds, volumes, direction of travel, timing of incidents, and types of vehicles using the route to provide an evidence base for future assessments.

Northfield Parade One-Way System

A petition requesting a one-way system for Northfield Parade, Hayes, was also heard. The lead petitioner, who was in attendance, explained that the current two-way system, combined with its use as a shortcut and for shop parking, was causing congestion and safety issues, including vehicles mounting pavements and confrontations between drivers. They proposed a one-way system with entry from North Hyde Road and exit onto Station Road, believing it would improve current conditions, although they acknowledged potential concerns about rat-running and stated that vehicle speeds were generally low. The petitioner also confirmed that most local shopkeepers supported the proposals and that existing congestion already discouraged some customers from visiting by car.

Councillor Tuckwell acknowledged the petitioner's representations and emphasised the importance of ensuring any measures introduced would not negatively impact local businesses. He noted that while no major incidents had been formally recorded, this did not preclude unreported incidents.

Decision: Councillor Tuckwell decided that officers should add the request for a one-way system on Northfield Parade to the Council's programme for further investigation and possible future consultation. Additionally, he decided that officers should commission independent 24-hour traffic speed and volume surveys on Northfield Parade. This will help gather further evidence to understand traffic movements, volumes, directions, and speeds at the location, considering the potential wider impacts on the busy junction.