Hillingdon Council has agreed to commission traffic surveys for Clifton Gardens following concerns raised by residents about congestion and speeding. The decision was made by Councillor Steve Tuckwell, Cabinet Member for Planning, Housing & Growth, at a petition hearing on Wednesday, 15 April 2026.
Residents highlighted severe traffic issues, particularly during school drop-off and pick-up times, due to the proximity of Swakeleys School for Girls, Oakwood Sixth Form College, and Oakwood School. They described chaotic conditions, significant delays in accessing and exiting the road, and frequent obstruction of driveways.
Concerns were also raised about speeding outside of peak times, with the road being used as a through route. While official police data indicated only one slight collision in the last five years, residents reported additional unreported incidents.
Councillor Tuckwell decided that officers should commission independent 24/7 speed and traffic surveys on Clifton Gardens at locations agreed with petitioners and Ward Councillors. He also asked the Council's Road Safety and School Travel Team (STaRS) to continue engaging with local schools to promote their School Travel Plans, with the support of Ward Councillors. The STaRS team has previously been in contact with Swakeleys School, with indications that the school wishes to progress work on its School Travel Plan.
During the hearing, the lead petitioner detailed the daily chaos, including drivers blocking driveways and behaving aggressively. Ward Councillors supported the petition, noting previous concerns about speeding and a lack of consistent traffic enforcement.
The Transport Planning and Projects Team Leader explained that traffic surveys would provide detailed data on vehicle speeds, volumes, and types. This data, along with engagement with schools and the Road Safety Team, would help identify appropriate mitigation measures. For Newnham Avenue, an area also discussed at the hearing, alternative measures such as a one-way system could be explored.
Further details of the petition and the council's response can be found in the New Clifton Gardens Petition and the Printed minutes.
