ePetition details

Speeding on Elgin Avenue and surrounding roads

We the undersigned petition Westminster City Council to There are continuous problems with drivers speeding on Elgin Avenue and the surrounding roads. This behaviour has worsened since the beginning of the pandemic and is now frequently dangerous. 1. Most drivers seem unaware that the area is a 20mph zone, and most traffic is at significantly higher speed. This is inappropriate for a residential area, with many cyclists and zebra crossings frequently used by families/students from Westminster College. The 20mph limit signage consists of a few tiny signs and is completely inadequate. 2. Drivers frequently do not stop at the two zebra crossings on Elgin Avenue between Elgin Parade and Shirland Road. 3. The area is often used by vehicles 'racing' recklessly at speeds approaching 100mph. These vehicles usually travel a loop around Elgin Avenue to Lauderdale Road or Castellain Road before heading out of the area. We ask Westminster Council to consult with local residents to resolve this hazardous issue (e.g. speed cameras, improved s

Concerned local resident

Started by: Eddy Butler

This ePetition ran from 21/11/2021 to 02/01/2022 and has now finished.

6 people signed this ePetition.

Council response

Dear Mr Butler,

Thank you for your submitting your online petition and each of your concerns will be responded below.

1. Most drivers seem unaware that the area is a 20mph zone, and most traffic is at significantly higher speed. This is inappropriate for a residential area, with many cyclists and zebra crossings frequently used by families/students from Westminster College. The 20mph limit signage consists of a few tiny signs and is completely inadequate. - Vehicle speed data has been reviewed and I can advise that the area does currently meet DfT guidance for the installation of 20mph speed limits in the UK with an 'average' speed of <24mph. I have attached data for;

Elgin Avenue Average Speed 18 - 18.25mph
Lauderdale Road Average Speed 18.75mph
Oakington Road Average Speed 9.8-15.6mph
Edbrooke Road Average Speed 20.4 - 20.8mph
Goldney Road Average Speed 18.7 - 21.8mph
Chippenham Mews Average Speed 16.4 - 10.6mph

With specific regards to 20mph signage we are able to install additional road markings , or 'roundels' on the carriageway. We can have these locations identified and installed within 1 - 2 months.

In addition WCC has committed to installing additional Vehicle Activated Signs (VAS) in Oakington Road, Edbrooke Road and Goldney Road. These are due for installation.

2. Drivers frequently do not stop at the two zebra crossings on Elgin Avenue between Elgin Parade and Shirland Road.

This is noted however review of 'personal injury collision' (PIC) data would not indicate a historical issue. Drivers must stop for pedestrian as soon as a foot or mobility assisting device is placed on the carriageway/zebra. The installation of additional 20mph roundels will assist that these locations.

3. The area is often used by vehicles 'racing' recklessly at speeds approaching 100mph. These vehicles usually travel a loop around Elgin Avenue to Lauderdale Road or Castellain Road before heading out of the area. We ask Westminster Council to consult with local residents to resolve this hazardous issue (e.g. speed cameras, improved).

The data reviewed did not indicate speeds as stated but we appreciate some drivers exceed the prescribed speed limit. Unfortunately we are unable to 'engineer out' deliberately poor/dangerous/reckless driver behaviour. Those drivers are deterred via the enforcement process with fines, increased insurance costs and possible incarceration. The installation of 'Speed Cameras' is prioritised where there is a history of PIC's and resourcing. Currently TfL and the Polices 'Road Safety Camera Partnership is not installing new cameras with a focus on upgrading existing sites to digital.

Whilst we appreciate this is not re response anticipated, we are able to install additional 20mph roundels and VAS at selected location. For more information regarding these please contact Hayden Tuck directly at htuck@westminster.gov.uk.

Additional avenues to consider are;

Community Roadwatch
Safety cameras are only one of the ways to tackle speed related deaths and serious injuries on our roads. We work in partnership with the Metropolitan Police on many other speed management initiatives, including Community Roadwatch.
Community Roadwatch aims to reduce speeding in residential areas, and gives local residents the opportunity to work side by side with their local police teams, and use speed detection equipment to identify speeding vehicles in their communities.
To take part in Community Roadwatch, or to suggest a residential area where there are community concerns around speeding, email CommunityRoadwatch@met.police.uk and tell them which borough you live in. The relevant local MPS Safer Transport Team will be in touch.
RoadSafeLondon

The public can report dangerous, illegal, or antisocial road user behaviour directly to the police with their online reporting tool, RoadSafe London. Every report helps the police and TfL to understand where and when bad road user behaviour takes place.

The information and intelligence gathered may lead to a prosecution.

This information was taken from Safety cameras - Transport for London (tfl.gov.uk)
Kind regards

Sarah

Sarah Rye
Head of Public Realm
City Highways