The Traffic and Road Safety Advisory Panel discussed a range of issues concerning road safety, parking, and sustainable travel across the borough. Key decisions included the referral of two petitions regarding parking and safety improvements to officers for consideration, and the noting of reports on petitions, the annual parking programme review, the traffic programme update, and active and sustainable travel and road safety.

Public Questions

Two public questions were addressed. Mr Anoop Shah asked about Harrow Council adopting a default 20 miles per hour speed limit in built-up areas, similar to policies in other London boroughs and Wales. Harrow Council stated it is not proposing a blanket 20mph limit but will focus on specific locations where residents have raised concerns and evidence shows lower speeds would improve safety, considering targeted 20mph zones based on community demand. Mr Deepak Bhatt raised concerns about the council's inaction on serious road and pedestrian safety issues, citing specific incidents and a lack of progress over four years. The council responded by outlining a range of highway improvements already delivered and committed to a detailed review of recent fatal road collisions to identify common trends and contributing factors, with findings to be presented at the next TARSAP meeting.

Petitions

Two petitions were presented and referred to the Strategic Director of Culture, Environment and Economy for consideration. Councillor June Baxter presented a petition from residents of Dicksonfold and Westhouse Cottages in Pinner requesting improvements to parking and safety, including the introduction of a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ). Councillor Nitin Parekh presented a petition from residents of Milford Gardens, Edgware, requesting changes to parking restriction timings and the introduction of disabled parking bays.

Petitions Report

The Panel received an update on petitions received since the last meeting. The report detailed investigations and findings for new petitions and provided updates on previously discussed matters. A petition regarding Harrow Fields Gardens resulted in a decision to remove proposed double yellow lines opposite numbers 24 to 30, with the remainder of the proposal to be implemented. Concerns about large volumes of HGVs using Broadfields, a residential road, were noted as a planning matter, with potential width restrictions deemed costly and potentially unfeasible due to existing vehicle crossovers and impacts on deliveries. A request to extend the 20-minute free parking allowance at Cambridge Road Car Park for parents and carers of children at St John Fisher Catholic Primary School was being reviewed by officers. An objection to local safety parking programme proposals for Eastleigh Avenue led to the proposal being set aside for future review if further concerns arise.

Annual Parking Programme Review Report

This report provided an update on parking controls, including the CPZ programme, localised safety parking programme, and disabled person's parking spaces. The Panel heard that the Victor Road area and Wealdstone Royal Estate Zone C review had gone live under an Experimental Traffic Order, with monitoring ongoing. Proposals for Gordon Avenue and Rectory Close were not proceeding due to objections, with only essential road safety improvements planned. Remaining Phase 1 CPZ programme items were scheduled for March 2026, subject to weather conditions. A proposed new CPZ, Zone C2, in the Stanhope Avenue and Sefton Road area was at Stage 2, with engagement planned. The M3 CPZ extension in South Harrow was progressing to statutory consultation in February 2026. Minor parking schemes included Brockleyside, with additional Pay by Phone facilities planned, and Brember Road, where Pay by Phone parking and loading facilities were in statutory consultation. The Cycling Adviser requested a report on the impact of interventions on air quality, public health, and sustainable transport, which officers acknowledged would be beneficial.

Traffic Programme Update Report

The Panel received an update on the progress of traffic schemes. This included information on 20mph zones, bus priority schemes, and the Harrow Cycle Network. The Harrow to Pinner cycleway construction was underway, with the West Harrow section nearing completion. Work had been paused on other cycle routes pending further funding. Feasibility and preliminary designs were progressing for routes connecting Harrow to Harrow & Wealdstone Station, Wealdstone to Edgware, and Harrow to Harrow Weald. Residential cycle parking and school storage facilities were being proposed. A local safety scheme for Camrose Avenue, including a feasibility study for a zebra crossing, was facing delays due to underground utilities. A review of traffic calming measures on Dennis Lane was ongoing following resident concerns. Councillor Asif Hussain raised concerns about traffic programme designs near schools in his ward, West Harrow, and the adequacy of the consultation process. Officers assured that the situation would be monitored. The Cycling Adviser expressed concerns about the potential conflict between bus priority schemes and cycling safety on Sheepcote Road and Kenton Road, requesting statistics and risk assessments. Officers stated that consultation was ongoing and cyclist safety would be considered.

Active and Sustainable Travel and Road Safety Report

This report provided an update on initiatives to encourage sustainable transport, active travel, and road safety education. The development of Active Travel and Kerbside Strategies was underway, with early public engagement planned. The School Vicinity Project aims to enhance safety and the environment around schools, with a tiered approach to interventions. The TfL Travel for Life programme had seen 36 schools in Harrow achieve accreditation. The report also detailed various campaigns and initiatives, including anti-idling projects, walking and cycling projects, and road safety theatre in education. Updates were provided on electric vehicle charging points, with Phase 1b of the Flat and Flush programme completed and progress on lamp column chargers and the LEVI programme. Cycle training had been delivered to 807 children and 157 adults. The Public Transport Adviser queried why bus travel was not explicitly included as a sustainable travel mode alongside walking and cycling, and was advised that it was indeed promoted.

Any Other Urgent Business

The Chair, Councillor Ameet Jogia MBE, formally thanked Ms Veronica Chamberlain, the Cycling Adviser, for her significant contributions to the Panel since 1994, noting her pioneering role in the creation of the Panel. Ms Chamberlain expressed her honour in serving and thanked everyone for their cooperation.