Agenda item

Report of the Executive Director of Environment, Highways and Community Services

The Cabinet Member with the Local Services Portfolio introduced the report (previously circulated) of the Executive Director of Environment. Highways and Community Services to advise Members of an objection received to a proposed traffic regulation order and seek a decision on whether to proceed with the proposal.

The report explained that concerns were received from a resident, a business and a Councillor regarding parking and loading at the junction of North Road and Lowson Street. It was stated that officers investigated the concerns and proposed changes to the existing loading bay and to introduce some waiting restrictions to deter vehicles from parking too close to the junction causing viability issues.

It also stated as part of the statutory consultation, an objection was received from one of the businesses. The objector does not consider the proposals that have been adequately investigated. The details of the objection along with the officer’s response and assessment were considered in the main report. Officers recommend setting the objection aside and proceed to introduce the No Waiting at any time and a change to the loading bay operation times.

The objector attended the meeting and outlined his objections to the proposed Traffic Regulation Order for Cabinet’s consideration. 

RESOLVED - It is recommended that Members:

(a)    consider the points raised in the objection and the officer response.

(b)   set the objection aside and authorise officers to proceed with the introduction of the No Waiting at any time restrictions as advertised; and change the operation times of the current loading bay to 7.00am – 4.00pm all days as shown in Appendix C.

REASON - The recommendations are supported by the following reasons:

(a)    Vehicles are parking on the junction causing sightline problems for vehicles exiting these roads. This inconsiderate parking has raised road safety concerns that have been reported by a resident and to the local councillor.

(b)   The Highway Code states “DO NOT stop or park opposite or within ten metres (32 feet) of a junction, except in an authorised parking space”. This is to allow sightlines to be kept clear.

(c)    The extended Loading Bay operation times will allow large vehicles an area to load/unload safely.