Agenda item

5.1

The Executive Director, Place submitted a report describing measures to restrict parking at the junction of Westwick Crescent and Westwick Road, through the introduction of double yellow line parking restrictions. The introduction of time-limited waiting elsewhere on Westwick Crescent will reduce the impact of the restrictions by increasing the turnover of parking spaces. The report also set out officers’ responses to objections received and sought a decision from the Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Transport.

5.2

RESOLVED: That:-

(a)

having considered the responses to the consultation it is recommended that the reasons set out in this report outweigh any unresolved objections and that the revised waiting restrictions be implemented and the Traffic Regulation Order be made in accordance with the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984;

(b)

introduce associated traffic signing; and

(c)

the objectors be informed accordingly.

5.3

Reasons for Decision

5.3.1

The proposed measures will address inconsiderate and illegal parking practices which will improve safety at a junction for pedestrians and motorists by removing parking that blocks sight lines.  They will also improve the overall parking experience at this location by replacing single yellow lines, which get ignored, with double yellow lines and by introducing time limited waiting to optimise the availability of parking spaces.

5.4

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

5.4.1

The only alternative, as proposed by the objectors, is not to introduce any parking restrictions at this location.  This is not considered to be an acceptable option.  No other alternatives to parking restrictions have been considered.

5.5

Any Interest Declared or Dispensation Granted

None

5.6

Reason for Exemption if Public/Press Excluded During Consideration

None

5.7

Respective Director Responsible for Implementation

Laraine Manley, Executive Director, Place

5.8

Relevant Scrutiny and Policy Development Committee If Decision Called In

Economic and Environmental Wellbeing

4.1

The Executive Director, Place submitted a report describing measures to restrict parking at the junction of Westwick Crescent and Westwick Road, through the introduction of double yellow line parking restrictions. The introduction of time-limited waiting elsewhere on Westwick Crescent will reduce the impact of the restrictions by increasing the turnover of parking spaces. The report also set out officers’ responses to objections received and sought a decision from the Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Transport.

4.2

Roger Stevenson, a local resident, attended the Session to make representations to the Cabinet Member. He commented that the current situation at the location concerned was an accident waiting to happen due to the parking situation leading to poor visibility for pedestrians and road users alike.

4.3

Double yellow lines should be introduced as single yellow lines were consistently ignored. He did not believe that businesses would be affected as there was adequate parking available nearby. This had been a long standing issue and the community had been waiting a long time for promises to be fulfilled.

4.4

Councillor Richard Shaw, a local Ward Councillor, also attended the Session in support of Mr Stevenson and local residents. He commented that the strength of public feeling could be seen by the petition submitted and the number of signatures that it had collected. The junction was a heavily used junction and was notorious in the area for its safety concerns. Councillor Shaw therefore supported the petition and the recommendations in the report.

4.5

In welcoming the recommendations, Councillor Mazher Iqbal, requested that officers contact Mr Stevenson and Mick Thomas, another interested party, with a definitive date for the scheme to be introduced once this was known.

4.6

RESOLVED: That:-

(a)

having considered the responses to the consultation it is recommended that the reasons set out in this report outweigh any unresolved objections and that the revised waiting restrictions be implemented and the Traffic Regulation Order be made in accordance with the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984;

(b)

introduce associated traffic signing; and

(c)

the objectors be informed accordingly.

4.7

Reasons for Decision

4.7.1

The proposed measures will address inconsiderate and illegal parking practices which will improve safety at a junction for pedestrians and motorists by removing parking that blocks sight lines.  They will also improve the overall parking experience at this location by replacing single yellow lines, which get ignored, with double yellow lines and by introducing time limited waiting to optimise the availability of parking spaces.

4.8

Alternatives Considered and Rejected

4.8.1

The only alternative, as proposed by the objectors, is not to introduce any parking restrictions at this location.  This is not considered to be an acceptable option.  No other alternatives to parking restrictions have been considered.