Agenda item

The Committee considered a report of the Corporate Director of Regeneration and Local Services regarding a proposal to introduce formal waiting restrictions on the unclassified entrance road to Blessed John Duckett RC Primary School (for copy see file of Minutes).

The Committee were informed that a number of road safety and congestion issues had been raised concerning the traffic around Blessed John Duckett RC Primary School which had been reported to the County Council by the Head teacher of the Primary School. There were currently no parking restrictions outside of the school, which was causing the area to become congested at the start and end of the school day.

The restrictions proposed included a ‘no stopping, Monday - Friday, 8am-9am and 2pm-4pm restriction would be installed to the front of the school turning area/car park. A ‘No Waiting, Monday – Friday, 8am – 9pm & 2pm – 4pm’ restriction would be introduced on both sides of the entrance road from its junction with the B6301 Smith Street to a point immediately to the east of the school car park. The restrictions would ease congestion and improve road safety at the location.

The Committee noted that the carriageway in the area was unadopted and ownership had been researched. The legal status of the road was public footpath but as motor vehicles had been using it for over 20 years, they had claimed a prescribed right of use. The length of public footpath was maintainable at public expense. Therefore as with other areas of unadopted road/path in the County it was possible to install road markings or restrictions provided the Council consulted in line with Statutory Instrument 2489.

A number of objections had been received. The objections were summarised within the report with the common theme of vehicle displacement being of primary concern.

The Strategic Traffic Manager informed the Committee that the restrictions had been proposed to improve road safety and accessibility around the school entrance. There were alternative adjacent unrestricted parking areas which could be utilised by motorists and the objections received regarding the unadopted road had been addressed.

Councillor A Gardner explained that people did not want to walk a very short distance, preferring to park vehicles and cause the issues being experienced. Councillor Gardner was concerned about displacement of vehicles, particularly, displacement to the cul-de-sac to the rear, which appeared to be the next closest point to park. Councillor Gardner felt that if the restrictions were introduced, it would generate complaints from local residents in other areas.

The Strategic Traffic Manager explained that the restrictions could cause potential inconveniences for other residents, which would have to be monitored. However, there were many suitable alternatives for people to park further away.

Councillor J Shuttleworth felt that the safety of the school children was of paramount importance and fully supported the request by the school and in doing so, moved the recommendation.

Councillor J Turnbull accepted that the restrictions were needed outside the school in terms of safety and was supportive of the proposal providing that enforcement would take place, otherwise the scheme would be a waste of money.

Resolved

That the Committee endorse the proposal and proceed with the implementation of the Tow Law Waiting and Parking Restrictions Order 2018 with the final decision to be made by the Corporate Director under delegated powers.