Response details:

Dear Cllr Stephanos Ioannou,

Thank you for getting in touch on behalf of your constituent about concerns regarding visibility for drivers exiting Maplin Close and the potential risk of collisions at its junction with Eversley Park Road.

We understand why residents may be concerned when visibility is restricted, particularly where parked vehicles, buses, vegetation and traffic conditions combine to make it more difficult for drivers to see approaching traffic.

The latest changes to traffic sign regulations have made traffic mirrors an approved traffic sign. Prior to this change, traffic mirrors were generally considered an obstruction on the public highway and required specific approval from the Secretary of State on a site-by-site basis.

Whilst traffic mirrors can in some circumstances assist visibility, they are not normally considered a long-term solution. There are concerns that drivers may become reliant on the mirror, despite it potentially becoming obscured, damaged, vandalised or adversely affected by weather conditions. There are also situations where vehicle headlights can reflect from a mirror and distract approaching drivers, creating additional safety risks.

As a result, traffic mirrors are generally considered only where there are no more suitable alternatives available. Where visibility concerns are identified, improvements that directly address the cause of the obstruction are often preferred, such as changes to parking arrangements, vegetation management or other highway measures where appropriate.

The concerns raised regarding visibility, parked vehicles, the nearby bus stop and reports of vehicles travelling at excessive speed have been noted and added to our records for consideration as part of our ongoing review of road safety concerns across the borough. Any future highway improvements would need to be assessed against available evidence, engineering feasibility, local priorities and funding availability.

The constituent also refers to concerns about speeding and anti-social driving along Eversley Park Road. Enforcement of speeding and dangerous driving offences is the responsibility of the Metropolitan Police. Residents can report dangerous or anti-social driving directly through the RoadSafe London reporting service. Community Roadwatch also provides an opportunity for local residents to work with the police to identify locations where speeding is a concern and helps inform future enforcement activity.

We appreciate the constituent taking the time to raise these concerns and their interest in improving road safety in the area.
Yours sincerely

Senior Road Safety Engineer
Directorate of Transport, Climate & Place
Environment & Communities Department