Decision details

9.1

The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director-City Futures detailing the receipt of objections to a proposed Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) for

the introduction ‘no waiting at any time’ restrictions as well as shared use permit

and parking bays in Kelham Island and Neepsend. The report also set out the

background to the Kelham Island and Neepsend parking scheme, other

consultation comments and the Council’s response to the representations

received.

9.2

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That the Transport, Regeneration and Climate Policy Committee:

• Consider the objections to the proposed Traffic Regulation Order with particular regard to how they relate to the proposed double yellow lines included within the parking scheme;

• Having considered the objections, decide to make the Traffic Regulation Order (as amended) in accordance with the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984, specifically;

• Approve the implementation of the proposed pay and display (P&D) parking

scheme in Kelham Island, including ordering the P&D machines – but not in

Neepsend at this time due to a desire to undertake additional work – focussing on businesses - to see how the effects of the originally proposed scheme could be mitigated;

• Approve the implementation of the ‘no loading and no waiting’ restrictions

within Kelham Island and Neepsend; and

• Note that there will be additional engagement within the Neepsend area –

focussing on businesses - to see how the effects of the originally proposed permit scheme could be reduced. The pay and display/permit scheme in Neepsend will not be implemented until after this engagement has taken place. Any future recommendation to implement a pay and display/permit scheme in Neepsend would be made via officer or Committee decisions as appropriate and per the requirements of the Council’s constitution;

• Note that the Council’s Traffic Regulations team will inform all consultation

respondents accordingly;

• Note that a review of the scheme will be carried out after around 12 months of the approved scheme being active;

• Note the advertising of additional restrictions on Douglas Road/Wallace Road to help reduce the effect of potential displaced parking, especially for larger vehicles

• Note the use of a Temporary Traffic Regulation Order to help facilitate the

implementation of the scheme (if approved), using ‘tow away’ powers if necessary

Note that the recommendations being implemented were subject to funding being

confirmed.

9.3

Reasons for Decision

9.3.1

The proposed Kelham Island and Neepsend parking scheme should:

• Improve conditions for local businesses residents by ensuring the availability of convenient parking spaces for residents, business and visitors and giving them a greater level of priority where appropriate through issuing permits;

• Improve access through the area and loading and unloading opportunities for all vehicles (especially larger ones) by removing parking at or near junctions; and

• Improve conditions for sustainable travel modes – the Kelham Island/Neepsend parking scheme includes restrictions that enable improved facilities for walking and cycling, as well as ensuring that public transport is not impeded by inappropriate

parking.

• Following the initial consultation, not implement the pay and display element in Neepsend at this time due to a plan to undertake additional work with businesses in Neepsend to see how the effects of the original scheme could be mitigated.

9.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

9.4.1

Consideration was given to limited waiting, without charging (e.g. 4 hours, no return within 2 hours), with permits considered where appropriate. However, this was discounted for the following reasons:

•       Enforcement of the restrictions are more resource intensive and time consuming;

•       Puts pressure on existing enforcement resources as limited extra income through enforcement may not cover additional costs;

•       Lack of consistency of approach with other areas of the City;

•       Residents and businesses could feel that they are being charged to park in the area where visitors (and potentially commuters) may not; and

·       There is anecdotal evidence from schemes around the City that suggest that people may move their vehicles part way through the day to avoid the 4-hour restrictions.

9.4.2

Consideration was given to implementation of the whole scheme as initially advertised. However, this was discounted for the following reasons:

•       Doesn’t take account of the differential parking demands and needs between Kelham Island and Neepsend

•       Following the initial consultation, it is planned to undertake additional work with businesses in Neepsend to see how the effects of the original scheme could be mitigated

9.4.3

Consideration was given to cheaper all day parking tariffs. However, this was discounted for the following reasons:

•       Demand must properly be managed through the setting of appropriate tariffs. Otherwise, parking capacity for local businesses, residents and visitors could at times be inadequate

•       Cheaper tariffs could also increase the occurrence of traffic circulating searching for car parking spaces, leading to increased traffic movements.

•       Lack of integration with local and regional strategies.