Minutes:
The meeting received feedback from issues identified at the special Area Assembly meeting held in March to address ongoing traffic issues in Harringay and St Ann’s wards. Major issues identified included traffic congestion, road safety, parking and pollution. It was emphasised that it would take considerable time to develop future transport measures to address issues where possible in addition to securing the necessary funding.
Traffic congestion:
The Assembly was advised that Transport for London (TfL) would be undertaking transport studies in 2009/10 to examine traffic flow along Green Lanes and Wood Green High Road to look at measures to improve bus journey times. The council would be feeding into studies to ensure a holistic approach to transport was developed, including coverage of local issues of traffic concern, for example assessing the impact of the closure of garden roads on traffic on Green Lanes.
In response to concerns expressed about the lack of details provided, such as deadlines, associated with the TfL studies to be undertaken in the area, confirmation was provided that regular updates would be provided to the Area Assembly via discussions with Neighbourhood Management. It was emphasised that this was however a long term, ongoing project.
Road safety:
The meeting was advised that a Transport Forum made up of key stakeholders had been set up to discuss strategic transport issues.
In relation to the need for a pedestrian crossing on Black Boy Lane, discussions were ongoing with TfL Buses as it would require the relocation of a bus stop near Chesnuts Park.
Discussions had been held with ward councillors regarding proposals for putting in place a 20 mile an hour zone for Wightman Road. Preliminary designs for the scheme would be developed and considered by a focus group before going forward for consultation. It was emphasised that the small amount of funds available might extend the roll out time for the scheme to two years. In response to a question about the costs of the scheme, it was explained that legislative requirements mean that 20 zones must be self enforcing thereby requiring additional measures to solely signage.
Strong concerns were expressed about the need for a pedestrian crossing on Frobisher Road, especially due to the closeness of a primary school and Mountview housing estate. It was confirmed that further work would need to be undertaken to provide background information to ensure an appropriate scheme was put in place and to evaluate the correct location for any crossing.
Following concerns about traffic obeying to the one way system in the South Grove area and on St Ann’s Road, there was agreement that a walkabout be arranged with council officers and local residents to look at the issue. An additional concern expressed by residents from St Ann’s ward was the perceived over emphasis on the Harringay ward and the Green Lanes area in particular in relation to traffic issues and also generally at Area Assembly meetings.
Parking:
In response to a query as to whether there were any plans to extend the location of Car Club bays into the Harringay ward, confirmation was provided that the next stage of the scheme would involve 90 additional bays located throughout the borough, including in Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs).
It was agreed in relation to a query as to whether the subway entrance to Turnpike Lane underground station could remain open after 9pm to reduce the need for people to be forced to cross busy roads, that the issue would be raised with London Underground at the next Transport Liaison meeting.