Agenda item

RESOLVED

That the Minutes of the meeting of the Muswell Hill, Alexandra, Fortis Green and Highgate Area Committee held on 30 January 2014 be agreed as an accurate record of the proceedings.

Matters Arising

MH80ii

The Chair advised that she was still awaiting a response from TfL regarding the evidence that she had submitted regarding overcrowding on the 43 and 134 bus routes in the morning peak.

NOTED

MH85 – POLICE ISSUES

The Chair advised that Cllr Newton had rewritten to the Borough Commander for an update on police  numbers  in Borough and received an immediate response that was circulated to members saying that the situation on the number of officers had not changed.

Parking Cross-overs

The Chair reported that she was still awaiting a response in respect of the number of cross-over applications refused, and figures for enforcement action over cross-over infringement in each of the 4 Wards of the Area Forum in the past 3 years.

ROAD SAFETY

The Chair advised that CrossSafe had presented their petition earlier in the meeting.

NOTED

MH91 (iii) & (iv)

The Chair reported that in respect of the issues raised in the presentation at the last meeting regarding North Hill traffic by Mr Webber of the Highgate Society and the parking issues on Aylmer Parade that copies of responses from Tony Kennedy to be interleaved with the minutes. They are as follows:

North Hill - View Road - Church Road junction

The methodology for prioritisation of investment in Neighbourhoods and Corridors [main roads] was agreed by Cabinet in October 2010. This methodology was used to develop the 2014/17 LIP Delivery Plan which sets out our priorities for the next three years. Unfortunately the above junction has not been identified as a priority for the consideration of LIP funding in 2014/15. Therefore, we cannot explore the option of introducing pedestrian facilities or altering the width of the existing pedestrian island at this time.

Although we do not doubt the various observations of the potential dangers at the location in question, we receive similar requests throughout the borough and must therefore have an evidence based approach to qualify our decisions when identifying locations for Council Capital Local Safety Schemes funding.

Based on the low personal injury accidents at this location during the past five years, two recorded slight injury that did not involve a pedestrian or cyclist, it would not be considered a priority for funding through our Local Safety Schemes programme. 

Inadequate signage relating to parking restrictions and HGV Enforcement

Our Parking Schemes team is currently reviewing the weight/lorry restriction and parking signage in the North Hill/Highgate area to ensure they comply with the current Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions. It is envisaged that the review will be completed in the next few months and will allow for more robust enforcement of the restrictions.

Speeding on North Hill

Following previous reports of excessive speeding along North Hill, the Metropolitan Police conducted a traffic survey at B519 North Hill N6, between the junctions of View Road and Broadlands Road from 4 - 17 October 2013. The 85th percentile speeds recorded were 30 and 32mph (North and Southbound). This is the speed at or below 85th% of all vehicles that are observed to travel under free flowing conditions. This is a nationally recognised method of assessing traffic speeds. The Police have therefore advised the Council that they do not regard North Hill as a speeding hotspot.

Vehicle Activated Signs (VAS)

VAS activate if an approaching vehicle is detected to be exceeding a preset speed threshold. The speed limit and/or a warning message will illuminate on the sign to remind the driver/rider to slow down. The speed threshold is usually set to 10%; therefore it would flash at 33mph if installed on North Hill. As the 85th percentile speeds on North Hill were recorded at 30 and 32mph, we do not recommend installing VAS, as they will be ineffective.

Default 20mph limit

With regards to the 20mph consultation, the feedback is mixed with 42% of respondents in support and 46% opposed to a borough wide 20mph default limit. The feedback is still being analysed in more depth, as many who opposed a blanket limit see the benefits of 20mph in residential areas. Recommendations will be made for the consideration of the Cabinet Member in due course with the findings being reported to Cabinet in June 2014. 

Signal Head obscured by Tree trunk outside Highgate Primary School

All traffic signals in Haringey are managed and maintained by the Traffic Directorate Unit (TDU), of Transport for London. However, the Council provides details and instructions to TDU regarding the placement and maintenance of traffic signals.

We have raised this issue with TDU, who have recommended installing an additional nearside pole and signal head, so that the traffic lights are clearly visible. However, we await a finalised design from TDU and an implementation date.  

Aylmer Parade N2

Consultation for a ‘Stop and Shop’ scheme was carried out in June 2012, the responses received were varied. A meeting was therefore held between Cllr Newton, Ann Cunningham (Head of Traffic Managment) and Vincent Valerio (Parking Schemes Manager). It was agreed that officers will review the proposal to ensure it maximises parking spaces and will redesign to reflect the discussion. Consideration will be given for all road users such as residents, businesses and visitors. Timescale wise it was agreed that consultation would take place after May 2014 subject to approval with the Cabinet Member.  

At the Forum residents were pleased that a ‘Stop and Shop’ scheme is being investigated by the Council. However, some of the businesses would like the Council to introduce a short term parking restriction i.e. 10:00 – 12:00, as appose to pay and display. Businesses are concerned that their trade will be affected significantly as motorists will refuse to pay to park.