The Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing & Growth, Councillor Steve Tuckwell, considered three petitions regarding parking and traffic issues in Ruislip and Hillingdon. Decisions were made to investigate a residents' parking scheme for Hale End Close, Hume Way, and Eastcote Road in Ruislip, and to commission traffic surveys for Clifton Gardens in Hillingdon. Further investigation was also deemed warranted for a timed one-way system on Newnham Avenue in Eastcote.

Hale End Close, Hume Way and Eastcote Road, Ruislip - Residents' Parking Scheme

Councillor Steve Tuckwell met with petitioners who are experiencing significant parking difficulties in Hale End Close, Hume Way, and Eastcote Road, Ruislip. Residents reported daily issues with parking spaces being occupied by non-residents, including visitors to nearby facilities such as the Highgrove Pool and Fitness Centre and Bishop Ramsey School, as well as contractors. This has led to residents being unable to park near their homes, with vulnerable individuals particularly affected. The petitioners requested the introduction of a Residents' Permit Parking Scheme, clear signage, and appropriate enforcement. They also expressed a desire for the scheme to be implemented at no cost or a minimal, reasonable charge.

Councillor Tuckwell decided that officers should add this request to the Council's Parking Scheme Programme for possible informal consultation. This decision followed a discussion where the lead petitioner confirmed that parking issues occurred daily and suggested a seven-day scheme would be most appropriate. A Ward Councillor supported the petition, noting the significant parking pressures due to the proximity of local facilities and advocating for further investigation and resident engagement. The Transport Planning and Projects Team Leader advised that a Parking Management Scheme would need to consider surrounding roads to avoid displacement effects, suggesting that nearby roads like Campbell Close should be included in any future assessment.

Traffic Calming Measures in Clifton Gardens, Hillingdon

A petition requesting traffic calming measures for Clifton Gardens, Hillingdon, was considered by Councillor Steve Tuckwell. The petitioners highlighted severe congestion during school drop-off and pick-up times due to the presence of Swakeleys School for Girls, Oakwood Sixth Form College, and Oakwood School. They described chaotic traffic conditions, significant delays in accessing and exiting the road, and frequent obstruction of driveways. Concerns were also raised about speeding outside of peak times, with the road being used as a through route. While official police data indicated only one slight collision in the last five years, residents reported additional unreported incidents, including damage to property and injuries to animals.

Councillor Tuckwell decided that officers should commission independent 24/7 speed and traffic surveys on Clifton Gardens at locations agreed with petitioners and Ward Councillors. He also asked the Council's Road Safety and School Travel Team (STaRS) to continue engaging with local schools to promote their School Travel Plans, with the support of Ward Councillors. During the hearing, the lead petitioner detailed the daily chaos, including drivers blocking driveways and behaving aggressively. Ward Councillors supported the petition, noting previous concerns about speeding and a lack of consistent traffic enforcement. The Transport Planning and Projects Team Leader explained that traffic surveys would provide detailed data on vehicle speeds, volumes, and types, and that engagement with schools and the Road Safety Team would help identify appropriate mitigation measures.

Introduce an Official Time-Limited One-Way System, Newnham Avenue, Eastcote

Councillor Steve Tuckwell considered a petition requesting traffic management measures, including a timed one-way restriction, for Newnham Avenue, Eastcote. The lead petitioner, who has a long-standing connection to the area, stated that conditions had worsened over several decades due to increased traffic congestion, parking pressures, and road safety concerns, particularly during school peak periods. The road, serving approximately 650 pupils from nursery to junior levels, is narrow, and the combination of two-way traffic and parked vehicles creates difficulties for passing vehicles and safe pedestrian access to the schools. The petitioner reported near misses, including a vehicle mounting the pavement, and instances of aggressive driver behaviour.

Councillor Tuckwell decided that further investigation may be warranted for a timed one-way system on Newnham Avenue. This decision followed discussions where the petitioner emphasised the daily challenges faced by pupils and families, and the need for wider intervention beyond what schools could manage. The petitioner supported a proportionate, evidence-led approach with further consultation. The Transport Planning and Projects Team Leader advised that while a timed restriction might not be feasible, alternative measures like a one-way system could be explored, noting that any changes would require careful assessment of wider impacts on surrounding roads. The meeting also noted national guidance for one-way restrictions, postcode information for petition signatories, and previous work by the Council's School Travel and Road Safety Team.