The red route through Rayners Lane is set to become permanent after Harrow Council approved the scheme following a six-month trial.
The restrictions cover parts of Rayners Lane, Alexandra Avenue and Village Way East and were introduced last November in a bid to tackle double parking and congestion in the area.
Cabinet members agreed on Thursday, 24 September, that the scheme should stay, although several changes will now be made following feedback gathered during the trial.
Changes to the scheme
Under the permanent scheme, loading bay hours will be changed to better reflect daytime demand, while the existing 24-hour motorcycle bays will remain.
A taxi bay outside Rayners Lane Station will also be reinstated, and the council will look at improving pick-up and drop-off provision on nearby streets where possible.
The council says the trial resulted in a significant reduction in double parking, alongside improved traffic flow and less congestion and obstruction in Rayners Lane town centre.
Trial launched last November
Harrow Online reported when the red route trial began on 24 November 2025.
Double red lines were introduced along key stretches of Rayners Lane, meaning drivers could no longer stop outside designated bays. The trial also brought in five-minute drop-off bays near the station, dedicated motorcycle parking and changes to loading areas.
When the trial launched, Cllr David Ashton, Cabinet Member for Finance and Highways, said: “This red route is about making Rayners Lane safer, less congested and easier for everyone to get around.”
He added at the time that feedback gathered during the six-month trial would help the council decide whether the scheme should be made permanent.
Decision still subject to call-in
Cabinet has now approved making the Experimental Traffic Order permanent, along with the changes to loading, taxi and pick-up arrangements.
The decision is still subject to the council’s call-in process. The deadline is 2 October, with the decision due to come into force on 3 October if it is not called in.
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