Rat-run speedsters situation is critical

Oct 12 2007 By Michael Russell

MORE than 200 angry residents are demanding the Town Hall do something to stem the speeding cars using their roads as a rat-run.

They presented one of two petitions handed to the Town Hall at the full council meeting on Tuesday.

The drivers use Laughton Road, Hawtrey Avenue and Bengarth Road in Northolt to avoid congestion in Church Road.

Monica Smith of Laughton Road, said: "It's really getting critical now.

"The traffic just tears up and down these roads and we have the academy here which houses a primary, a senior and a special school and we have the scout hut here as well. It's dangerous.

"They use Laughton and Hawtrey roads like main roads not just during peak times but all times of the day and night."

A campaign started in 2005 has led to a survey by Transport for London (TfL) and an extra speed bump at the junction of Hawtrey Avenue and Laughton Road installed in July.

But Ms Smith said: "The new speed table is as useless as the other speed bumps - they're practically flat.

"The traffic just glides over it and as it's the same levels as the kerb, cars cut the corner and go onto the pavement when turning at the junction.

"Our petition says we've waited two years for some action from the council and nothing is forthcoming. We've gathered more than 230 signatures and if nothing is done, residents will take action themselves."

Cabinet member for transport Councillor Vlod Barchuk said: "We understand residents concerns in the area and that's why we have a bid to introduce a 20mph scheme."

Northolt West End Councillor Bassam Mahfouz added: "This scheme is long-awaited and much needed. I've been right behind residents on this project the whole way and I want to see the council get the money needed for residents and local pupils to feel safe on their own street."

Meanwhile the 15 neighbours in Lauder Close, a cul-de-sac, warn their lives may be at risk as emergency services cannot get to them because their road is too narrow and they want it to be widened.

Rose Cockrane, 63, said: "If there's a fire down here then people are going to die.

"The pavement is far too wide so the road could easily be made wider. As it is the dustmen can't get down here and ambulances would have to smash past all the parked cars. It's just not good the way it is."

Responding to this second petition a council spokesman said: "We would like to thank residents. It will be given due consideration."