Rayners Lane will trial a red route to ease congestion, Harrow Council has announced. The council hopes the red route will reduce congestion, support public transport, and improve road safety and air quality in Rayners Lane Town Centre.
The experimental traffic order (ETO) will be implemented in parts of Rayners Lane, Alexandra Avenue, and Village Way East, following approval by Councillor Paul Osborn, Leader of the Council, on Thursday 2 October 2025. The decision follows a recommendation from the Traffic and Road Safety Advisory Panel (TARSAP).
The ETO, which can legally trial traffic management changes for up to 18 months, will address issues such as long-stay parking, loading arrangements, blue badge access, and general traffic flow. The red route aims to allow for the effective enforcement of indiscriminate parking.
Councillor Paul Osborn stressed the importance of keeping the scheme under review, engaging with local traders, and working with Transport for London (TfL) on junction markings and access around Rayners Lane station.
The decision authorises the Strategic Director of Culture, Environment and Economy, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Finance and Highways and the Leader of the Council, to agree the terms of the experimental traffic management order, undertake further pre-order engagement, and make decisions to withdraw or modify the order during the experimental period.
The council report stated that the red route would allow for effective enforcement of parking restrictions, helping to reduce congestion, support public transport, and improve road safety and air quality. An experimental order was recommended to allow for public consultation while the scheme is in operation, enabling residents and businesses to make informed representations after experiencing the scheme.
The council will measure the success of the ETO during the trial period by consulting with the public while the scheme is in operation, allowing residents and businesses to make informed representations having experienced the scheme in practice.
Councillor Paul Osborn also requested that he be consulted before any modifications are made during the experimental period.
Alternative options considered and rejected are set out in the report An Experimental Traffic Order to improve Rayners Lane Town Centre - Better Access to Parking and Loa.
During the meeting, Councillor Paul Osborn declared a non-pecuniary interest as a member of the Harrow West Conservative Association but determined that this would not prevent him from participating in the discussion and decision-making process.
A decision on whether to make the order permanent will be submitted to Cabinet for approval.
