Agenda item

The Committee considered a report of the Corporate Director of Regeneration and Local Services regarding objections received to a traffic regulation order in Willington (for copy see file of Minutes).

The Strategic Traffic Manager informed the Committee that several requests had been received from local Councillors to address ongoing obstructive parking, visibility and safety issues within Willington, specifically at the following locations:

·        Cumberland Terrace

·        A690 Commercial Street / High Street

·        Chapel Street

·        Bridge End

A presentation was shown to the Committee which detailed the locations, together aerial and street view images superimposed with the proposed traffic regulations.

The Strategic Traffic Manager informed the Committee that one objection had been received from a local resident in relation to the proposals for the Cumberland Terrace area regarding the proposed introduction of a ‘no waiting at any time’ located near to St Thomas RC Primary School. The objector had expressed concern that school staff would park in three allocated parking bays and the resident would not be able to park their vehicle. Furthermore, the resident had been informed by an estate agent who had advised them that their residential property value would reduce by up to £20,000 given the lack of parking. The resident also felt that the proposals would not stop congestion at school times.

The Strategic Traffic Manager explained that the proposals were important in terms of the location of the nearby school. Road safety was an important issue for both the school and parents. The Committee were informed that the width of the street could only accommodate parking for vehicles on one side of the road, however, problems occurred if a vehicle(s) parked on the opposite side of the road.

The local Councillors were then invited to address the Committee. Prior to speaking on the matter, Councillor Tinsley wished for it to be placed on record that a close relative resided at Cumberland Terrace and would be directly affected by the proposals and two of his children attended the local primary school.

Councillor F Tinsley thanked officers for their work and explained that much consultation had taken place. Councillor Tinsley fully supported the proposals for the Chapel Street and Bridge End areas and declared that he was a school governor at Our Lady of St. Thomas School.

In relation to Cumberland Terrace, residents and parents had raised concerns directly to local Councillors and through other forums such as Police and Communities Together (PACT) meetings. Safety issues and problems had been periodically witnessed. The proposals would see an element of parking retained for residents, an extension of the double-yellow lines extending to the A690 would help with visibility splays from Cumberland Terrace. It would also prevent people from parking close to the junction. Councillors had worked very closely with the school and had requested staff not to park in the three allocated bays. Councillor Tinsley explained that ultimately, safety was of paramount importance.

Councillor O Gunn echoed similar comments to Councillor Tinsley and explained that Cumberland Terrace had experienced ongoing problems around the school for a considerable period of time and felt that the proposals would provide a further aspect of safety for children, parents and residents.

The Committee then heard from the objector who lived at Cumberland Terrace. The objector indicated that they lived in house marked ‘red’ on the presentation. The resident felt that vehicle speeds up and down the street were excessively high and were disappointed that no provision had been made for speed humps. Referring to the three allocated bays, the resident queried where they would park, in the event of the allocated bays being occupied. The resident expressed concern that should their property be placed on the market there would be no parking available. Whilst the resident agreed with the double-yellow line element of the proposals they felt that vehicles would park and wait on the restricted area. The residents had a garage to the rear of the High Street which they could not access due to parked cars. The front door of their property exited directly onto the public footpath and referred to a recent issue whereby a Council vehicle damaged a hanging basket bracket belonging the resident. The resident felt that the proposals presented would not make a difference and that people would continue to park in the manner already experienced.

In response, the Strategic Traffic Manager explained that the Council were not suggesting that the proposal would be perfect and suitable for all. Highways Officers had worked with all residents throughout the consultation to try and assist. Ultimately, Cumberland Terrace was a very busy area, with highway safety problems and the proposals were an attempt to try and make the situation better.

In response to a query from Councillor P Sexton regarding parking in the back lane, the Strategic Traffic Manager confirmed that vehicles did park along the length of the back lane.

Moved by Councillor K Hopper, Seconded by Councillor O Milburn and

Resolved

That the Committee endorse the proposal to proceed with the implementation of the Willington Waiting and Parking Restrictions Order to the Corporate Director of Regeneration and Local Services.