Agenda item

The Committee considered a report of the Corporate Director of Regeneration and Local Services regarding three requests to an existing road traffic regulation order affecting Woodland Road at Bearpark and the Whitehouse Lane area of Ushaw Moor (for copy see file of Minutes).

The Committee were informed that a request to amend the order had been received from local members, Bearpark Parish Council and local residents. The effect of the proposals was to introduce the following:

(i)         A ‘no waiting at any time’ parking restrictions to address ongoing visibility issues associated with both junctions at Welby Drive/C18a Whitehouse Lane, Victoria Court C18a Whitehouse Lane; and Hall Avenue C18a Whitehouse Lane;

(ii)        A 30 minute time limit (operational Mon-Sat, 9am-5pm) on C18a Whitehouse Lane to accommodate a parking space outside of a Pharmacy, the bay is to encourage a higher turnover of availability close to the local amenities; and

(iii)       Removal of ‘school keep clear’ road markings and associated traffic sign on C17 Woodland Road (opposite Cook Avenue).

Three similar objections had been received from people living in the Whitehouse Lane area. The proposals would have a direct impact on them.

There were no objections to the proposal relating to Bearpark as the restrictions related to an unused former gated entrance to Durham Community Business College, which was now permanently locked.

The objections relating to the Ushaw Moor area expressed concern that the introduction of no waiting at any time parking restrictions would cause parking issues for visitors, workmen and homeowners who like to park outside their home. They also felt that their own parking would be compromised and would be forced into parking their vehicles in the yard to the rear of their properties.

The Strategic Traffic Manager explained that the introduction of the no waiting at any time restrictions would improve road safety and visibility from the junction of Welby Drive/C18a Whitehouse Lane and Victoria Court and Hall Avenue with the C18a.  He added that some properties had parking space to the rear and the width of Welby Drive would allow for a number of parked cars.

Councillor D Bell explained that the road in question was extremely busy and there were real safety concerns regarding sightlines and parked cars.

Councillor J Turnbull explained that he had no objection to the proposals but sought assurance that all of the restrictions were enforceable and would be enforced.

The Strategic Traffic Manager informed the Committee that it was usual that restrictions in the type of area concerned would be acknowledged by motorists and confirmed that the restrictions would be enforceable, carried out on a priority basis and areas targeted where it was felt there was an issue.

Moved by Councillor Turnbull, Seconded by Councillor J Shuttleworth and

Resolved

That the Committee endorse the proposal and proceed with the implementation of the Bearpark and Ushaw Moor Waiting and Parking Restrictions Order, with the final decision to be made by the Corporate Director of Regeneration and Local Services under delegated powers.