Agenda item

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place)

Note: The objector has been invited to the meeting for the consideration of this item

Further to Minute 40/19, the Cabinet Member considered a report of the Deputy Chief Executive (Place) concerning an objection which had been received to proposed double yellow (no waiting at any time) restriction for Browns Lane at its junction with Lyons Drive. The proposal was part of a Traffic Regulation Order relating to proposed new waiting restrictions and amendments to existing restrictions advertised on 13^th June. The item had been scheduled to be considered at the three previous Cabinet Member meetings but had been deferred in response to requests of the objector. The objector attended the meeting for the consideration of this item and outlined his concerns. Councillor Williams, a Bablake Ward Councillor, also attended for this item.

The report indicated that the request for the extension of the existing double yellow lines on Brown’s Lane at its junction with Lyons Drive had been made by a resident who advised of safety concerns when turning right out of Lyons Drive due to reduced visibility caused by parked vehicles on Browns Lane.  The proposal in response, as advertised, was detailed in an appendix to the report.

Generally, 10 metres of double yellow lines were provided for junction protection, this was in accordance with the advice from the Highway Code regarding parking at a junction. This was to provide visibility at a junction. 10 metres was the length of double yellow lines originally installed at the junction, therefore the request to extend the double yellow lines further was carefully considered; as whilst it was not a duty of the City Council to provide on street parking, the Council were aware of the impact introducing double yellow lines could have on residents and their visitors who parked on street. A photo taken by an Officer investigating the request was included in the appendix and this showed the impact of parking on visibility at the Lyons Drive junction.

As part of the statutory procedure, the TRO was advertised in the local press and notices were posted on lamp columns in the area of the proposed restrictions on 13th June 2019, advising that any formal objections should be made in writing by 4th July 2019.  In addition, letters were also sent to residents who would be directly affected due to waiting restrictions being installed on the public highway outside their property. One objection was received to the Brown’s Lane proposal, the details of which were set out in the appendix.

Due to the delay in hearing the objection to the Browns Lane proposal, it was removed from the original TRO, which was sealed. The Cabinet Member was informed that if any proposal relating to the introduction of double yellow lines was approved, the legal process including the statutory objection period would be undertaken. The recommended proposal was to undertake the legal process to install the restrictions as originally advertised at Browns Lane.

The objector reported that he was not aware of any accidents at the vicinity in the past four years; it was an advantage to have vehicles parked there as they provided a barrier from the glare of the sun; there would be a reduction in parking for residents; and the current restrictions already met the 10 metre criteria for junction protection as advised in the Highway Code. The option of a reduction in the length of proposed waiting restrictions was discussed.

RESOLVED that, having considered the objection to the proposed waiting restriction, approval be given for a site visit to be undertaken with officers and the Cabinet Member to determine the proposed length of double yellow lines to be provided on Browns Lane at its junction with Lyons Drive for junction protection.