Agenda item

9.1

The Executive Director, Place submitted a report setting out the objections received to the advertised Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) to introduce parking restrictions at three locations for small highway schemes being promoted by the former South West Community Assembly.

9.2

RESOLVED: That:-

(a)

the objections be upheld, in part, to the proposed traffic regulations on the junctions of Cross Lane with Forres Avenue, St Thomas Road and Truswell Road, Crookes and on Woodholm Road, Ecclesall and the revised proposals be introduced as shown in the plans included in Appendices C-1 and C-2 to this report;

(b)

the objections be overruled to the proposed traffic regulations on the junctions of Cross Lane with Arran Road and Forres Road and the restrictions be introduced as shown in the plan included in Appendix B-2 to the report;

(c)

the Traffic Regulation Order be made, as amended, in accordance with the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984; and

(d)

all the respondents be informed accordingly.

9.3

Reasons for Decision

9.3.1

The Traffic Regulation Order for the schemes included in the report was necessary to introduce parking restrictions at each of the locations with a view to resolving problems which have been brought to the attention of the City Council.

9.3.2

Local Ward Councillors and officers have given due consideration to the views of all the respondents in an attempt to find acceptable solutions. The recommendations were considered to be a balanced attempt to address residents concerns and aspirations.

9.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

9.4.1

These schemes have been designed to meet local needs/priorities as identified by former Community Assembly members. The proposals put forward are considered to deliver the required outcomes to resolve the problems which have been brought to the attention of the former Assembly.

9.4.2

Two of the schemes have been amended to try and address the concerns raised by residents.

9.5

Any Interest Declared or Dispensation Granted

None

9.6

Reason for Exemption if Public/Press Excluded During Consideration

None

9.7

Respective Director Responsible for Implementation

Simon Green, Executive Director, Place

9.8

Relevant Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee If Decision Called In

Economic and Environmental Wellbeing

9.1

The Executive Director, Place submitted a report setting out the objections received to the advertised Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) to introduce parking restrictions at three locations for small highway schemes being promoted by the former South West Community Assembly.

9.2

Trevor Jones, a resident of St Thomas Road, attended the meeting to make representations to the Cabinet Member. He stated that he was satisfied with the revised proposal on Cross Lane. If the original proposals had been agreed he would have had difficulty loading and unloading shopping. He believed the main problem on Cross Lane to be speed levels and this had been a problem even before the resurfacing of the road. As such he would like to see a 20mph speed limit on Cross Lane.

9.3

Anne Walker, also a resident of St Thomas Road and Russell Ward, resident of Forres Avenue, commented that they would not like to have seen the original proposal agreed and Mrs Walker stated that she was satisfied with the reduction in length of restriction to 5 metres on St. Thomas Road.

9.4

In response, Simon Botterill, Team Manager, Traffic Management, commented that speed cameras were only introduced on roads with an accident record. However, he noted the concerns raised and would investigate whether a ‘smiley’ speed restriction sign could be introduced. Speeds had been monitored since the resurfacing of roads throughout the City and, although it did not look as though speeds had increased to a great extent, it was still too early to draw conclusions.

9.5

20mph limits were being rolled out across the City. These were tied to accident levels and the Streets Ahead project. The proposals for the proposed restrictions Cross Lane were in line with the Highway Code, but had been reduced on St Thomas Road in recognition of the parking difficulties experienced there.

9.6

In relation to Woodholm Road, Mr Eyre, a resident of 7 Woodholm Road, stated that he accepted that if you lived near a school there would be issues related to parking, however the school was now being used as a community facility 7 days a week. Parking was available on the site but this was not actively encouraged and Woodholm Road effectively became the car park. The current headteacher of the school had informed Mr Eyre that they did not believe the parking problems were the responsibility of the school. This created poor visibility and cars often had to drive to the middle of the road before they could see oncoming traffic.

9.7

Mr Eyre stated that he had previously requested a permit parking scheme on Woodholm Road but this had been dismissed. He hoped that the proposed Traffic Regulation Order would be enforced.

9.8

In response, Simon Botterill commented that he recognised that the situation was unfortunate. However, the school did have to find ways to generate revenue. Officers were in the process of making the zig zag lines legally enforceable and the intention was to more rigorously enforce against people parking on them.

9.9

Problems caused by parking by School coaches would be investigated with the Children, Young People and Families portfolio. The Council did not have funding to provide H markings, in isolation, although this marking would be provided on Cross Lane at the request of Ward Councillors.

9.9

Mr Cartwright, Facilities Manager for the School reported that he was now meeting regularly with Councillor Diana Stimely, Ward Councillor for the area, to discuss issues and potential solutions. The school sent an email every term reminding people to park considerately, however they could not enforce where there were problems. A School Travel Advisor had also been into the school to discuss ways to resolve the problem.

9.10

RESOLVED: That:-

(a)

the objections be upheld, in part, to the proposed traffic regulations on the junctions of Cross Lane with Forres Avenue, St Thomas Road and Truswell Road, Crookes and on Woodholm Road, Ecclesall and the revised proposals be introduced as shown in the plans included in Appendices C-1 and C-2 to this report;

(b)

the objections be overruled to the proposed traffic regulations on the junctions of Cross Lane with Arran Road and Forres Road and the restrictions be introduced as shown in the plan included in Appendix B-2 to the report;

(c)

the Traffic Regulation Order be made, as amended, in accordance with the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984; and

(d)

all the respondents be informed accordingly.

9.11

Reasons for Decision

9.12

The Traffic Regulation Order for the schemes included in the report was necessary to introduce parking restrictions at each of the locations with a view to resolving problems which have been brought to the attention of the City Council.

9.13

Local Ward Councillors and officers have given due consideration to the views of all the respondents in an attempt to find acceptable solutions. The recommendations were considered to be a balanced attempt to address residents concerns and aspirations.

9.14

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

9.14.1

These schemes have been designed to meet local needs/priorities as identified by former Community Assembly members. The proposals put forward are considered to deliver the required outcomes to resolve the problems which have been brought to the attention of the former Assembly.

9.14.2

Two of the schemes have been amended to try and address the concerns raised by residents.