Dear Neighbours,
I would like to update you on several issues that some of you have raised with me over recent months, including the rumours about the new administration's plan to revisit the proposed bus lane on Durnsford Road, congestion around Bounds Green Station, damaged street furniture, and concerns about vibrations experienced by residents living near the speed hump on Alexandra Park Road.
Bounds Green Station Junction and Durnsford Road
Following continued representations from residents, I made further enquiries with the Council, highlighting the strength of local feeling regarding traffic issues and requesting that the outcome of the previous bus lane consultation be respected.
The Council has advised that:
- There is currently no funding available this financial year to carry out a further review of the Bounds Green Road/Durnsford Road junction.
- The Council has requested funding from Transport for London (TfL) to revisit the junction in the future.
- If funding becomes available, any review will be prioritised in accordance with the Haringey Transport Strategy.
- Officers have acknowledged residents' concerns regarding peak-time congestion and stated that these concerns will be considered should a future review take place.
Bus Lane Proposal
Many residents will recall the recent consultation regarding a proposed bus lane on Durnsford Road. There were some concerns that the new administration was exploring the possibility of revisiting the bus lane proposal.
I have been informed that:
- No new bus lane proposals have been developed.
- Following the consultation outcome, officers conducted site visits to observe traffic movements and bus operations along the corridor.
- These observations have not resulted in any new proposals.
- Should any future bus priority measures be considered, they will first be discussed with the relevant Cabinet Member and ward councillors before wider engagement takes place.
This provides reassurance that the outcome of the previous consultation continues to stand and that no new proposals are currently being advanced.
Damaged Bollards and Street Furniture
Residents also raised concerns regarding damaged and missing bollards in the Alexandra Park area.
The Council has confirmed that:
- Reports of damaged and missing bollards have been passed to the maintenance team for investigation and repair.
- Locations on Alexandra Park Road and Albert Road will be re-inspected.
- Particular attention will be given to the bollard near St Andrew's Church, which has reportedly fallen over again after a previous repair.
Alexandra Area Transport Review
Residents interested in wider transport and traffic proposals affecting the Alexandra area can view the ongoing review here:
Update on Alexandra Park Road Vibrations
I have also continued discussions with residents concerning persistent vibrations experienced by properties near the speed hump on Alexandra Park Road.
While I appreciate the significant impact that some residents report on their quality of life, sleep and wellbeing, the Council's current position is as follows.
What the Council Says
The Council has advised that:
- The speed hump was installed approximately 15 years ago.
- It was designed in accordance with Department for Transport guidance and national regulations.
- Based on the available evidence, the Council believes it is unlikely that the road hump is causing structural damage to nearby properties.
- Research referenced by the Council suggests that damage of this nature would generally only be expected where road humps are located extremely close to residential buildings.
Highway Inspection Agreed
Following my enquiry, the Council has agreed to:
- Arrange for a Highways Inspector to assess the speed hump and adjacent road surface.
- Check whether any highway defects could be contributing to the vibrations residents are experiencing.
Property Surveys and Structural Concerns
The Council does not undertake structural surveys of private homes.
Residents who are concerned about potential structural impacts have been advised that:
- Building insurance providers can arrange vibration testing and specialist surveys where appropriate.
- Where evidence suggests that council infrastructure is responsible for damage, residents may pursue a claim through the Council's insurance process.
Effectiveness of the Speed Hump
The Council has stated that a speed survey undertaken in December 2022 found:
- Eastbound average vehicle speed: 19.8 mph
- Westbound average vehicle speed: 20.6 mph
As these figures are within expected limits for a 20 mph zone, the Council considers the speed hump to be effective in reducing vehicle speeds.
Requests for Alternative Measures
Several residents have suggested alternatives, including speed cameras.
The Council's current position is that:
- Because the speed hump appears to be achieving its intended purpose, a review of alternative traffic calming measures is not presently proposed.
- TfL is currently reviewing its process for assessing speed camera requests across London.
- No timescale has yet been provided for when new requests will be considered under the revised process.
- discussions are underway with TFL regarding possible rerouting of the 184 electric buses in one direction. I have made it clear that robust consultation must be conducted locally before any final decisions are made.
I understand that residents hold strong views on both the Durnsford Road traffic situation and the ongoing vibration concerns on Alexandra Park Road.
I have raised these issues robustly with the Council and will continue to work with officers, affected residents and community groups to ensure concerns are properly heard and considered. While some of the responses received may be disappointing, particularly in relation to funding and immediate intervention, I remain committed to pursuing practical solutions and advocating on behalf of residents.
Please continue to share your experiences and evidence with me so that I can make the strongest possible case for further action where needed.
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