Agenda, decisions and minutes

None.

RESOLVED:-

that the minutes of the previous meeting held on 13 February 2014 be approved as an accurate record of the meeting.

None.

None.

Fiona Mulaisho and Hazel Williams representatives of Kensal Rise Residents’ Association (KRRA) addressed the Committee on a petition on behalf of KRRA requesting the Council to consider developing a robust traffic management plan for Chamberlayne Road.  The representatives stated that Chamberlayne Road was unable to accommodate the excessive volume of traffic using the road daily, resulting in pollution, traffic congestion and harm to road safety particularly for cyclists. . They continued that the 20mph speed limit scheme currently being introduced would not prove to be a solution to the problem and that most of the residents were not aware of the weight restrictions in force in Chamberlayne Road.  They therefore requested the Committee to consider a holistic transport management policy with a coherent strategy that could resolve the problems they faced.

In response to members’ questions, Fiona Mulaisho clarified that due to its poor road infrastructure, Chamberlayne Road had excessive noise and air pollution levels coupled with vibration from heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and buses. The situation had been made worse particularly for the pupils of the  three local schools.  She added that Transport for London (TfL) had refused KRRA’s request to re-route some of the buses from Chamberlayne Road on the grounds that it was not within their (TfL’s) remit. 

Fiona Mulaisho and Hazel Williams were thanked for addressing the Committee.

This report informs the Committee of a petition received in October 2013 from Kensal Rise Residents Association (KRRA) requesting a robust traffic management policy / strategy for Chamberlayne Road and provides updates on work with members of KRRA to develop the Chamberlayne Road 20MPH Zone scheme.

(i)         that the contents of the petition be noted;

(ii)       noted that the Council have invested £130,000 to design and implement the Chamberlayne Road 20MPH Zone scheme in 2013/14 which would reduce accidents and improve conditions for vulnerable road users.

(iii)      that the petitioner’s request to prepare a specific traffic management policy for Chamberlayne Road be not taken forward at this time.

(iv)      noted that periodic enforcement of the 7.5 tonne weight restrictions that apply to Chamberlayne Road would be undertaken.

Members considered a report that informed of a petition received in October 2013 from Kensal Rise Residents Association (KRRA) requesting a robust traffic management policy / strategy for Chamberlayne Road.  Paul Chandler, Head of Transportation informed members that his team of officers had been working with members of KRRA to develop the Chamberlayne Road 20MPH Zone scheme. The measures were being implemented to improve safety along Chamberlayne Road between the junctions with Okehampton Road and Harvist Road and in Station Terrace; works commenced in January 2014. A review would be carried out within 12 months of completion to measure the scheme’s effectiveness.  Members heard that there was an existing 7.5 tonne weight restriction in the area (Chamberlayne Road north of Bannister Road) which enabled the Council to take enforcement action against heavy goods vehicles exceeding the weight limit without a legitimate reason.

In response to a member’s question, Paul Chandler undertook to look into whether 3 local schools had active travel plans in place. Members heard that it was TfL’s responsibility to consider and to authorise the re-routing of bus services or relocation of bus stops, adding that similar requests to TfL made by officers had been refused. In summing up, the Head of Transportation advised members against the petitioner’s request to prepare a specific traffic management policy for Chamberlayne Road be not taken forward as to do so could create problems for other roads in the area.

RESOLVED:

(i)         that the contents of the petition be noted;

(ii)       to note that the Council have invested £130,000 to design and implement the Chamberlayne Road 20MPH Zone scheme in 2013/14 which would reduce accidents and improve conditions for vulnerable road users.

(iii)      that the petitioner’s request to prepare a specific traffic management policy for Chamberlayne Road be not taken forward at this time.

(iv)      that periodic enforcement of the 7.5 tonne weight restrictions that apply to Chamberlayne Road would be undertaken.

This report describes Brent’s objectives and policies in relation to transport and travel and “sets the scene” by defining our transport priorities for the next 20 years. The strategy will support regeneration and growth and support the core objective of improving access to employment.

I have attached the draft strategy document as an appendix to the report.

(i)        that the draft Long Term Transport Strategy for Brent be approved, subject to inclusion of changes agreed by the Executive;

(ii)       that the draft Long Term Transport Strategy be subject to public and stakeholder consultation during 2014, and be reported back to the Highways Committee and Executive for final approval.

The Committee received a report that described Brent’s objectives and policies in relation to directions for transport and travel priorities for the next 20 years.  Paul Chandler, Head of Transportation informed members that the need for transport strategy was driven by the regeneration and growth agenda within the borough with a commitment to deliver thousands of homes and jobs. The strategy was therefore centred around the need to support these growth areas, providing the transport improvements needed to make them both attractive and accessible and to support key social infrastructure such as new schools and health facilities.

The Head of Transportation informed the Committee about a workshop held with Executive members in February 2014 at which the draft Long Term Transport Strategy objectives were presented.  He continued that subject to amending the draft to incorporate issues raised, it was agreed that consultation should take place during 2014.  He outlined the detailed consultation plan and timeframes that would be developed including consultation and/or presentations with Councillors, all Brent Connects forums, other appropriate public meetings including major resident association meetings, open invite event for residents and on-line feedback.  Following public consultation, all comments would be considered and the Long Term Transport Strategy updated to reflect agreed changes and a final draft reported to the Highways Committee and Executive for approval and adoption.

RESOLVED:

(i)        that the draft Long Term Transport Strategy for Brent be approved, subject to inclusion of changes agreed by the Executive;

(ii)       that the draft Long Term Transport Strategy be subject to public and stakeholder consultation during 2014, and be reported back to the Highways Committee and Executive for final approval.

Pilot Parking Removal Scheme

The Committee received a background briefing paper and a presentation by David Thrale, Head of Service Safer Streets, on a pilot removal scheme. The pilot was for a period of 4 to 6 months.

It was noted that the Pilot Removal Scheme would be the subject an officers’ report to the next Executive meeting on 22 April 2014. Members recommended that the Executive consider this Pilot scheme. Members also recommended to the Executive that following the Pilot, a full appraisal report be presented to the Highways Committee for their consideration and implementation of amendments to the Protected Parking Scheme.

The next meeting of the Highways Committee will be announced after the Council Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 4 June 2014.

It was noted thatr the date of next meeting would be confirmed after the Council’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 4 June 2014.