ePetition details

Traffic calming measures on Deansway N2

We the undersigned petition the council to designate our road, Deansway N2, as a 20mph zone, and to install speed calming measures at the earliest opportunity. This request is supported by more than 25 individuals on Deansway, who became concerned - and at times, alarmed - by the growing volume of traffic and speed on this particularly road in recent years. Deansway is situated between East End Road and The Bishops Avenue, and is a cut through artery, which is in heavy use during the morning and evening hours. Navigation apps recommend taking Deansway given its proximity to the North Circular, especially when road works take place on nearby streets. The particular topography of Deansway, with its downward curvy slope at one end, and the two-way stretch towards the other end, lends itself to a reckless behaviour by drivers of vans and sports cars.

Families with toddlers or a pram find it a difficult road to cross because the curve of the road (we can supply pictures, taken near 31/37 Deansway, to evidence this) gives them less time to react to oncoming traffic, especially at high speed. Few residents also had near death experiences with oncoming traffic when attempting to cross Deansway. Given the above, we would like your consideration towards the installation of the following:

* 20mph speed limit signage
* Birdseye/convex mirrors on lamp posts at certain blind spots (to avail safe crossing of the road), especially near the intersection with Edmunds Walk
* Speed cameras
* Radar/vehicle activated speed signs (ideally with VRN identifier)
* zebra crossing near the intersection with Edmunds Walk
* zebra crossing near the north east intersection with East End Road

(Note: we did not make a request for speed bumps; this is in consideration of emergency services that pass through Deansway from time to time, especially fire engines and ambulances.)

We will be happy to meet any representatives from Barnet Council to further discuss the above.

There is sufficient evidence in support of 20mph zones, as noted by this statement on a website associated with Barnet:

'....A large number of evaluation studies have demonstrated a link between the introduction of 20mph zones/ 20mph limits and a subsequent reduction in casualties. The size of the reductions and the consistency of results over a wide number of areas are further evidence for this link. As well as road safety benefits, Council notes the contribution that 20mph zones /20mph limits can have in encouraging more physical activity, such as walking and cycling, by contributing towards a safer environment'.

(Source: https://barnet.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?Id=5161; see also: https://barnet.moderngov.co.uk/documents/s13606/Appendix%20A%20-%2020%20MPH%20Task%20and%20Finish%20Group%20Report.pdf)

Based on a recent communication, Transport for London (TfL) and the Met police don't have sufficient resources to tackle and enforce speed limits in suburban parts of London and therefore rely on volunteers to help them with this important task, through schemes like Community Road Watch (CRW). However, this is not always feasible, which means that physical intervention might be most effective.

This ePetition ran from 06/06/2021 to 18/07/2021 and has now finished.

40 people signed this ePetition.

Council response

This petition was presented to the Finchley & Golders Green Residents' Forum on 7th October 2021. A feasibility study was recommended by the Highways Officer, and so the Chairman resolved to refer the matter to the Finchley & Golders Green Area Committee.