Small Aircraft; Low Wing; 1 Eng; Fixed Gear
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 90; Flight Crew Total 3900; Flight Crew Type 450
Communication Breakdown; Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Conflict NMAC; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR
Flight Crew Took Evasive Action
Human Factors; Procedure
While transitioning VNY Airport from the North I was told by ATC to remain on the east side of the 405 freeway while pattern traffic was restricted on the west side of the 405 (standard practice). The aircraft opposite direction never read back to remain on the west side of the 405 freeway and remained on the east side where I was causing a loss of separation. I took evasive action and immediately broke right around Aircraft Y which continued straight ahead. Had I not taken evasive action it would have been a midair collision. The pilot was a solo student pilot as well. I called the tower to ensure they spoke with the pilot and asked how to best mitigate this from happening again; we agreed the controller should have verified the read back and maybe in the future they will pay closer attention to closely separated planes.
Pilot reported taking evasive action in response to an NMAC with a solo student pilot in the traffic pattern who did not follow ATC instructions to remain on the west side of the freeway.