The Traffic and Road Safety Advisory Panel has recommended the implementation of a red route in parts of Rayners Lane, Alexandra Avenue, and Village Way East to address persistent issues of double parking and congestion. The panel also approved the making of an experimental traffic order for Rayners Lane, with authority delegated to officers to manage its terms and modifications during the trial period.

Improving Rayners Lane Town Centre

The panel unanimously recommended to the Leader of the Council the approval of a red route in parts of Rayners Lane, Alexandra Avenue, and Village Way East. This decision follows extensive discussion regarding persistent double parking and misuse of parking bays in the area, which have led to significant congestion, safety risks, and disruption for local businesses.

The report presented to the panel highlighted that traditional enforcement methods had proven ineffective. Traffic surveys conducted in May and June 2025 revealed a high volume of double-parked vehicles, particularly on Rayners Lane, with over 1,700 incidents recorded across three days, predominantly cars. Parking occupancy surveys also indicated high demand and oversaturation, especially on Sundays, which correlated with increased double parking.

The proposed red route aims to improve traffic flow, enhance road safety, and support public transport by prohibiting stopping, parking, or loading outside of designated bays at any time. This measure is intended to be implemented via an Experimental Traffic Order (ETO), allowing for a trial period of up to 18 months. During the first six months of the ETO, formal consultation will take place, enabling residents and businesses to submit representations. The council will monitor the scheme's performance, and modifications can be made or the order can be withdrawn if it is not achieving its strategic aims. A final decision on making the red route permanent will be presented to the Cabinet.

During the discussion, Councillor June Baxter, representing a ward that includes part of the proposed red route, welcomed the initiative, noting that residents had expressed positive initial reactions. She raised questions about the adequacy of proposed CCTV enforcement cameras and the scope of the consultation. Officers confirmed that four new CCTV cameras would be installed, supplementing existing ones, and that the consultation would be extended to capture views from residents living just outside the immediate red route area.

Ms Veronica Chamberlain, a Cycling Adviser, raised concerns about the impact of the red route on active travel, particularly regarding the safety of cyclists at junctions and the potential for loading bays to create hazards. She advocated for adjustments to traffic signal phasing to improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians. The officers acknowledged these points and stated that signal timings and the overall function of the highway would be reviewed as part of the ongoing improvement works.

Councillor Paul Osborn, Leader of the Council, emphasised the importance of the red route in addressing a long-standing problem and thanked officers for their work. He highlighted that the red route was a necessary step to improve the safety and accessibility of Rayners Lane Town Centre.

The panel also discussed changes to parking and loading arrangements. These include a maximum stay of three hours with a four-hour no-return period for pay-by-phone parking bays, operating from 8:30 am to 8:30 pm daily. Four new motorcycle parking bays are also proposed, each with a one-hour maximum stay. Designated loading bays will be introduced to reduce the need for businesses to double park.

The decision to recommend the red route was made with the understanding that it is a new initiative for Harrow, and the experimental nature of the order allows for adjustments based on real-world experience and public feedback. The scheme is scheduled to commence in November 2025.

The panel also noted that Councillor Paul Osborn declared a non-pecuniary interest as a council-appointed trustee of the Harrow Cycling Hub. No public questions were received for the meeting.