Agenda item

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place)

Note: The objectors have been invited to the meeting for the consideration of this item

The Cabinet Member considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) concerning objections that had been received to a Traffic Regulation Order advertised on 17^th August, 2017 relating to proposed new waiting restrictions and amendments to existing waiting restrictions in a number of Wards across the City. A total of 26 objections were received (one of which was a petition), 1 of which was subsequently withdrawn by the objector. In addition 1 letter of support to a proposal was also received. 3 subsequent e-mails had been received from objectors and these were reported at the meeting. A summary of the proposed restrictions, objections and responses were set out in an appendix to the report. All the respondents were invited to the meeting. Councillor Bailey, a Cheylesmore Ward Councillor attended the meeting in respect of the proposed waiting restrictions in his Ward.

Mr Wells attended in respect of the proposed double yellow lines for junction protection at Ashington Road/ Abbey Road and outlined his concerns. He referred to the existing parking issues indicating that the restrictions would result in more vehicles parking on the grass verges. He referred to a local byelaw which should prevent the parking of vehicles on the verge and officers undertook to investigate this. Councillor Bailey informed of the parking concerns raised at a local residents association meeting. 

Mr O’Shea attended with two family members and his lodger Miss Holmes and they outlined their concerns regarding the proposed double yellow lines junction protection at Bakers Lane and Maudslay Road. Mr O’Shea indicated that the lines were being introduced on land that had been given to him to use as a parking space. Councillor Innes, Cabinet Member indicated that she would need to see documentary evidence to back up this claim and then the officers could investigate the situation. The family also drew attention to the build out at the junction. It was clarified that this had been provided as part of a junction treatment and was not to provide an area for parking as this would affect junction visibility. Concerns were raised about the issue of vibrations. It was acknowledged that the situation would be monitored.

Mr Durkin attended and detailed his concerns in respect of the proposals to include Benedictine Road in the Cheylesmore East Residents Parking scheme which had been requested via a petition. He felt that leaving vehicles unattended was a breach of the Road Traffic Act and was against the Council charging of permits. He felt that there wasn’t a parking problem and residents didn’t want such a scheme. Councillor Bailey drew attention to the support for the scheme.

The comments received via e-mail from Margaret Bull who was unable to attend the meeting relating to the installation of double yellow lines at the Cadden Drive/ Fir Tree Avenue junction were outlined. She was concerned about vehicles parking further into the cul-de-sac at Cadden Drive and the proposals wouldn’t address these issues. It was reported that in response to her original concerns, a further review was undertaken and it was proposed to reduce the double yellow lines by 4 metres on Fir Tree Avenue.

Collette Burke and Leah Clarke spoke regarding the proposals to remove double yellow lines and extend the existing 30 minute limited parking bay on Holbrooks Lane. The owner of the hair salon asked that the limited parking be extended to 2-3 hours since 30 minutes did not allow sufficient time for a hair appointment. Concerns were also the difficulties in crossing the busy road if clients parked in Yelverton Road. There was a request for fairness for all businesses. It was agreed that a consultation would be undertaken regarding the duration of the waiting time since different times had been requested due to different business needs and it was not possible to have the bay divided into different waiting times as this would be confusing to customers.

Regarding the proposals for a residents parking scheme for Lichfield Road, Frances Beaufoy was unable to attend the meeting and had requested that her concerns be reported at the meeting. These were taken into account by the Cabinet Member.

The Cabinet Member was informed of a last minute objection that had been received in response to the proposals for Poppleton Close/ Upper York Street and it was decided to defer consideration of this item to the next Cabinet Member meeting to allow the objector the opportunity to attend a meeting.

The cost of introducing the proposed TRO would be funded from the Highways Maintenance and Investment Capital Programme budget through the Local Transport Plan.

RESOLVED that, having considered the objections to the proposed waiting restrictions:

(1) The implementation of the restrictions as advertised on Ashington Road/Abbey Road, Bakers Lane/Maudslay Road, Benedictine Road, Laburnum Avenue/Barkers Butts Lane, Lichfield Road, Rex Close, Sunnyside Close and Welgarth Avenue/Courtland Avenue be approved.

(2) The implementation of a reduced scheme on Cadden Drive/Fir Tree Avenue, reducing the proposed extent of the double yellow lines by 4 metres on Fir Tree Avenue on the eastern side of the junction and the installation of the remainder as advertised be approved.

(3) The implementation of a reduced scheme on Poplar Road/Newcombe Road, reducing the proposed extent of double yellow lines by 5 metres on Poplar Road on the northern side of the junction and the installation of the remainder as advertised be approved.

(4) The implementation of the proposed restrictions on Holbrook Lane as advertised be approved and that a consultation is undertaken regarding a possible change to the duration of the limited waiting restriction, with any new proposals to be advertised as part of the next waiting restriction review.

(5) Approval be given that the proposed Traffic Regulation Order is made operational.

(6) Officers to investigate the issue of a byelaw prohibiting parking on the grass verges at Ashington Grove/Abbey Road.

(7) The decision on the proposed waiting restrictions for Poppleton Close and Upper York Street be deferred to the next Cabinet Member meeting on 6^th November, 2017.