HILLINGDON Council removed a speed warning sign from a road prior to a cyclist dying after a collision with a car there.
A shopkeeper has lambasted the authority for not installing the signs permanently in Pinner Road, Northwood, before the incident which killed fellow business owner Zakiyuddin Mamujee last month.
The driver involved in the collision was arrested and bailed by police.
There is no suggestion at this time that vehicle speed was a factor in Mr Mamujew’s death on April 29.
Nevertheless, Daron James, co-owner of pet shop Sallywags just down the road from the crash site, said he was furious that his repeated safety warnings ‘were ignored’.
He said: “I informed [the council] time and time again that this road is incredibly dangerous. I have been campaigning on this specific road safety issue for more than two years.
“Why is it always left to the busy business people already working hard trying to scrape a living to sort these things out?”
An email seen by the Gazette shows the council agreed to add Pinner Road to its programme of vehicle-activated signs, which warn drivers if they are exceeding the speed limit, in November 2010.
Jean Palmer, the council’s deputy chief executive, explained the signs had temporarily been installed but later had to be removed.
“We always work closely with the police to investigate the reasons behind tragic accidents like this,” she said.
“Vehicle-activated ‘slow down’ signs were temporarily installed in Pinner Road, but became ineffective when repairs began on the rail bridge as cars had to slow down due to the works, so they were removed and deployed elsewhere.
“Research has shown these signs are more effective when moved from time to time. This is so drivers do not become complacent, ensuring the signs have the maximum effect.
“We are very sorry to hear about the accident and we will continue to work with police to establish the cause and see if there is anything practical the council can do to help prevent further accidents. Pinner Road remains on the vehicle activated sign programme and the signs will be returned to that location.”
Andrew Riley, chairman of Northwood Hills Residents’ Association, has urged police to hasten their investigation into the fatal crash to enable any necessary safety measures to be implemented as soon as possible.
The man arrested in connection with the incident is not due to answer bail until September.
