Agenda item

9.1

The Executive Director, Place submitted a report setting out the response to advertised amendments to loading and waiting restrictions on Ecclesall Road, Ecclesall Road South, Moore Street (Charter Row side) and associated side roads.

9.2

Councillor Diana Stimely, a local Ward Councillor, attended the meeting to make representations to the Committee in respect of the scheme. She commented that the Banner Cross Traders Association were concerned about a lack of turnover of parking in their area leading to potential shoppers driving off and driving elsewhere and that their businesses would be affected as people would not be able to park in the area.

9.3

In response, David Whitley, Highways Officer, reported that – following a similar comment about shoppers driving off and shopping elsewhere - a survey of visitors had been undertaken in the Sharrow Vale area which found that when visitors could not park where they originally wanted, very little trade was lost as they just found alternative local parking opportunities.

9.4

On the wider issue, David Whitley, Highways Officer, commented that although parking spaces would be lost, parking surveys have shown that the existing parking demand in the area could still be met. In addition, Officers had attempted to consider the needs of local traders throughout either through reducing the length of the planned restrictions, allowing loading to take place on the proposed double yellows, or (in one location) proposing double yellows on the residential (where alternatives to the rear of properties are currently available) rather than business side of Ecclesall Road.

9.5

Members commented that the proposals should ease congestion in the area which was a good way of encouraging trade. They requested that pay and display bays be introduced in the Banner Cross shopping area to encourage trade in the area.

9.6

RESOLVED: That the Committee:-

(a)

overrules the objections and requests that the Traffic Regulation Order be made in accordance with the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984;

(b)

approves the making and implementation of Traffic Regulation Orders as shown in plans TM-BN721-07-TRO, TM-BN726-P2-TRO and TMBN721-02-TRO in Appendix A of the report; and

(c)

requests that consideration be given to installing pay and display parking bays in the Banner Cross Shopping area to be funded as part of the scheme.

9.7

Reasons for the Decision

9.7.1

The Council had carried out extensive survey work and a comprehensive consultation exercise on Ecclesall Road. Based on the feedback, requests and information received, it was recommended to continue to progress with implementing the Ecclesall Road Smart Route, with implementing additional loading and waiting restrictions in three locations along the corridor being the next phase of the wider implementation plan.

9.8

Alternative Options Considered And Rejected

9.8.1

Officers considered the degree of outline support for proposals and the content of each individual comment received. Not implementing these proposed interventions was an option, but would be contrary to “working better together” value of the Council Plan “Standing up for Sheffield”.

9.8.2

Other options considered included widening Ecclesall Road (outbound) slightly between Rustlings Road and Greystones Road. The change in kerb location would involve significant costs associated with moving statutory undertakings plant. Implementing parking restrictions in this section rather than widening provides the same benefit for much less cost.

9.8.3

In terms of not carrying out the implementation of changes advertised in the Traffic Regulation Orders, doing nothing was an option, but would lead to a continuation of a less effective use of highway capacity along the corridor.