Agenda item

7.32pm – Councillor Mark Loveday moved, seconded by Councillor Matt Thorley, the special motion in their names:

“This Council notes:

1.    The serious problem of traffic experienced in residential parts of South Fulham throughout the Peterborough Estate, Hurlingham and Sands End and in particular along Harwood Terrace.

2.    That on 21 October 2019, the Council closed Harwood Terrace to traffic at the junction with Imperial Road for an experimental period of 6 months.

3.    That the impact of this closure has been enormous and divisive for the local community in South Fulham and has generated over 2,000 complaints.

This Council resolves:

1.    Whilst acknowledging the Council’s efforts to address serious traffic problems in Harwood Terrace, that the current “pilot” scheme is not fit for purpose and has had a disproportionate impact on other parts of the road network in South Fulham.

2.    Agrees to terminate the experimental traffic scheme with immediate effect and reopen Harwood Terrace to vehicles.

3.    Undertakes a proper and comprehensive traffic study in South Fulham.

4.    Implements measures to residential streets in South Fulham which do not simply shift traffic onto other residential streets.”

Speeches on the special motion were made by Councillors Mark Loveday and Matt Thorley (for the Opposition).

Under Standing Order 15(e)(6), Councillor Ben Coleman moved, seconded by Councillor Wesley Harcourt, an amendment to the special motion:

“Delete all after “This Council notes:” and insert:

1.    The serious problem of traffic experienced in residential parts of South Fulham throughout the Peterborough Estate, Hurlingham and Sands End and in particular along Harwood Terrace.

2.    That on 21 October 2019, the Council closed Harwood Terrace to traffic at the junction with Imperial Road for an experimental period of 6 months.

3.    That the Council did this in a genuine attempt to address the challenging traffic issues facing the street.

4.    That the Council is working with residents interested in finding a common solution to the issues raised by the experimental closure.

This Council resolves:

1.    Whilst acknowledging the Council’s efforts to address serious traffic problems in Harwood Terrace, that the current experimental scheme has had a serious impact on private and public transport in South Fulham.

2.    To continue to work with residents to find a common solution to the problem without delay.

3.    To work with residents to create and implement a long-term vision for traffic in the neighbourhood.”

Speeches on the amendment were made by Councillors Ben Coleman, Wesley Harcourt, and Stephen Cowan (for the Administration) – and Councillor Mark Loveday (for the Opposition).

The amendment to the special motion was then put to the vote:

FOR                            27

AGAINST                   10

NOT VOTING            0

The amendment was declared CARRIED.

Speeches on the special motion as amended were made by Councillors Frances Stainton, Andrew Brown, and Alex Karmel (for the Opposition) – and Councillor Ben Coleman (for the Administration).

Councillor Mark Loveday then made a speech winding up the debate before the amended motion was put to the vote. Councillors called for a named vote.

FOR                            27

AGAINST                   10

NOT VOTING            1

The motion as amended was declared CARRIED.

8.29pm – RESOLVED

This Council notes:

1.    The serious problem of traffic experienced in residential parts of South Fulham throughout the Peterborough Estate, Hurlingham and Sands End and in particular along Harwood Terrace.

2.    That on 21 October 2019, the Council closed Harwood Terrace to traffic at the junction with Imperial Road for an experimental period of 6 months.

3.    That the Council did this in a genuine attempt to address the challenging traffic issues facing the street.

4.    That the Council is working with residents interested in finding a common solution to the issues raised by the experimental closure.

This Council resolves:

1.    Whilst acknowledging the Council’s efforts to address serious traffic problems in Harwood Terrace, that the current experimental scheme has had a serious impact on private and public transport in South Fulham.

2.    To continue to work with residents to find a common solution to the problem without delay.

3.    To work with residents to create and implement a long-term vision for traffic in the neighbourhood.