The Petition Hearing - Residents Services meeting considered two petitions. The first requested a zebra crossing on Harlington Road, and the Cabinet Member decided to ask officers to investigate the feasibility of a zebra crossing or other appropriate measures and report back with options. The second petition, concerning parking on Kingshill Avenue, resulted in a decision to proceed with an informal consultation on introducing a stop and shop parking scheme.

Zebra Crossing on Harlington Road

The meeting heard a petition requesting the installation of a zebra crossing on Harlington Road. Councillor Ahmed Wolana, the lead petitioner, presented the case, highlighting concerns about pedestrian safety, particularly for children, the elderly, and disabled residents. He argued that the current stretch of Harlington Road is a busy thoroughfare with through traffic, buses, and larger vehicles, making it unsafe and intimidating to cross. Councillor Wolana stated that while a zebra crossing exists further along Harlington Road near Nichols Avenue, it is too distant to address the immediate need for residents in the vicinity of Temple Court. He also noted that the proposed crossing would not significantly impact established curbside parking.

A resident of Harlington Road shared personal experiences, describing how traffic has increased over the years, including heavy goods vehicles, and that pavements are too narrow for children to walk safely. They reported waiting up to 20 minutes to cross, with cars frequently not stopping. The resident also mentioned that the road is used as a shortcut by drivers seeking to avoid speed cameras on Arxbridge Road, leading to increased speeds. They recounted witnessing a child being knocked over, resulting in injuries, and expressed concerns about the road's uneven surface and the risk posed by large vehicles. The resident also pointed out the difficulties of crossing near the existing zebra crossing due to a tricky bend and parked cars.

Steve Austin, the Traffic, Parking, Road, Safety and School Travel Team Manager, acknowledged that parking loss is a factor to be considered and that the petition's request for officers to conduct a fresh investigation with fresh eyes was a recommendation in the report. Councillor Wayne Bridges, Cabinet Member for Residents Services, agreed with this recommendation, acknowledging the significant number of schoolchildren in the area. He confirmed his decision to ask officers to investigate the feasibility of a zebra crossing or other appropriate measures on Harlington Road and to report back with options. Councillor Bridges also noted that a letter from Bishop's Hall Primary School regarding the issue had been received and would be included in the meeting's documentation.

Stop and Shop Parking Scheme on Kingshill Avenue

The second petition, presented by Clive Hollyoak, owner of a sweet shop on Kingshill Avenue, requested the introduction of a stop and shop parking scheme. Mr. Hollyoak detailed issues with long-term parking by car owners using public transport, individuals selling cars, residents with multiple vehicles, mechanics storing damaged cars, and company vans being left for extended periods. He also highlighted that shopkeepers and their staff often park outside the shops, further reducing availability for customers. This, he argued, deters potential customers who give up looking for parking and drive away, impacting local businesses, especially during difficult economic times. Mr. Hollyoak specifically requested pay and display parking meters, favouring traditional coin-operated machines over mobile app-based systems due to accessibility concerns for older generations.

Ward councillors for Charville, Councillor Davis and Councillor [Name not provided], spoke in support of the petition. They confirmed that parking bays on Kingshill Avenue are consistently full, with vehicles occupying them from early morning until late at night, often for purposes other than shopping. They observed instances of double parking, which creates congestion and hazards, and makes it difficult for genuine customers to access local businesses. The councillors also suggested reviewing disabled parking provisions, proposing a 90-minute maximum stay with no return period for disabled bays to ensure their availability for shoppers. They stressed the need for a balanced solution that supports both residents and businesses.

Vicky Singh Gulwara, a shopkeeper with a convenience store on the parade, corroborated the issues raised, describing how double parking causes congestion and frustration for customers who are often in a rush and worried about blocking others. She agreed with the proposed 9am to 6pm timing for the stop and shop scheme, believing it would create a fair balance for businesses and customers.

Steve Austin, the Traffic, Parking, Road, Safety and School Travel Team Manager, commented that stop and shop schemes have been successful in other parts of the borough in supporting local businesses. He suggested that further consideration would be needed regarding the maximum stay within parking bays, as some businesses, such as hairdressers, might require longer parking durations.

Councillor Wayne Bridges acknowledged the petition's scale, noting over 300 signatures, and agreed with the recommendation to undertake a new informal consultation. He confirmed his decision to proceed with this consultation, in liaison with the ward councillors, to gather further feedback from residents and shopkeepers on Kingshill Avenue. He expressed hope for greater participation in this consultation compared to a previous one in 2021.