Agenda item

Coxhoe - Parking & Waiting Restrictions Order 2019 - Report of Corporate Director of Regeneration and Local Services

Minutes:

The Committee considered a report of the Corporate Director of Regeneration and Local Services regarding a number of proposed changes to a traffic regulation order in Coxhoe (for copy see file of Minutes).

 

The Strategic Traffic Manager informed the Committee that Coxhoe. Coxhoe Town Centre was a large residential area with a number of local shops, mostly located on a ‘B’ road through the town. Shops were seen as a benefit to the local community and through bypass trips from surrounding villages as well as serving as an entry point to the motorway. Four areas were identified in the report, as follows:

 

Church Street

The Committee were informed that the main proposal related to Church Street which had a number of existing restrictions. The proposed restrictions (‘Limited Waiting’ parking bays, ‘Loading Only’ parking bays, removal of ‘Blue badge holders only’ bays and amendment to the duration of ‘Restricted Waiting’ restrictions) would enable customers for current and potential new businesses to have an area to park and access local businesses and amenities. The restrictions were being proposed to stop all day and commuter parking as this vastly reduced revenue within the town. The majority of areas were currently unrestricted, however, some vehicles were believed to be owned by staff commuting to work. Other vehicles were left in the location for the full duration of the day and commuted outside of Coxhoe. The proposals had been requested by local business owners and the local County Councillors in a bid to reduce obstructive parking, improve road safety and to boost the local economy. There was support from Durham Constabulary, however, there had been eight objections to the proposals. The Strategic Traffic Manager then summarised the objections which were detailed in the report.

 

Coronation Terrace

The proposed amendment to ‘restricted waiting’ restrictions currently in place Monday to Friday, 7am-6pm would be amended to Monday to Saturday 7am-6pm and would be harmonious with other proposed restrictions within the town. This would reduce obstructive parking and improve traffic flow. The proposals had been requested by the local County Councillor in a bid to harmonise the restrictions within the town, reduce obstructive parking and improve road safety. There was support from Durham Constabulary, however, there was also one objection to the proposal which was summarised by the Strategic Traffic Manager.

 

Roundabout A177 south of Cornforth Lane

The scheme would see the introduction of a ‘no waiting at any time’ (double yellow line) restriction which had been requested by local residents and the headteacher of Coxhoe Primary School to address obstructive parking near to the school. The introduction of the restrictions should improve movement of vehicles on the nearby roundabout and improve road safety for school children and pedestrians. There was support from Durham Constabulary and no objections to this element of the proposals.

 

Welfare Terrace

The scheme would see the introduction of a ‘no waiting at any time’ (double yellow line) restriction which had been requested by local residents and the local County Councillors in a bid to reduce obstructive parking and improve road safety on the corner and junction of Welfare Terrace and Cornforth Lane. There was support from Durham Constabulary and no objections to this element of the proposals.

 

The Committee then listened to representations from Councillor S Dunn, one of the local members.

 

Referring to the restrictions relating to the roundabout on the A177 south of Cornforth Lane, Councillor Dunn explained that the proposals had arisen due to parents parking on verges and islands and obstructing views of buses existing Cornforth Lane to the A177 and trucks from the quarry. The restrictions would hopefully improve the situation as outlined in the Strategic Traffic Managers presentation.

 

Councillor Dunn informed the Committee that it appeared from the report that the proposal for Church Street appeared to be controversial but explained that it needed to be put into context and spoke in reference to some of the objections raised during the consultation:

 

Objections 1, 2, 5, 7 and 8 stated that they were residents. Of these residents one lived in Coronation Street, another lived in Back Front Street which had two off-road spaces and two kerbside spaces in the back street. Two residents could have to move their cars by 11 am and not return before 2pm. There was unrestricted parking the adjoining streets of Cooperative Terrace, or Coronation Terrace and Church Street East within 100 metres.

 

The remaining objectors appeared to come from some of the traders, as follows:

 

·        Objection one had been lodged by the owner of a hair dressing business and stated that many of their customers were in the shop for more than three hours. Councillor Dunn explained that Coxhoe Parish Council had imposed an informal restriction at the car park in Coxhoe Village Hall where people could park for four hours;

 

·        Objection three was a question on the effectiveness of the restrictions and how they would be enforced and not an objection;

 

·        Objection four was a general comment about there being too many parking restrictions in the County;

 

·        Objection six was not an objection to the scheme and was an objection relating to their neighbours use of a blue badge. The restrictions would not affect their loading requirements but would make them better;

 

·        Objection seven made reference to a business owner having to close their business if the restrictions went ahead and also queried where business owners should leave their vehicles being displaced. Councillor Dunn explained that they would not be directly affected because they had a blue badge. They questioned where additional parking could be provided. Councillor Dunn informed the Committee that the Coop staff car park was available for by use by traders to park their staff cars, something which the local Parish Council had been proactively involved in. Opportunities were also being explored opposite Coxhoe Village Hall with the potential to use land for parking; and

 

·        Objection eight would like to park their van outside their trading premises all day. They were also residents. Councillor Dunn reiterated that there was unrestricted parking within 100m, as had stated previously.

 

Councillor Dunn informed the Committee that the proposals set out had been advocated and supported by many of the traders at various meetings. There were real issues in trying to access shops on Church Street, particularly for high turnaround stores or ones where goods needed to be loaded. Cars and trucks were regularly double parked between the Cooperative store to the traffic lights. The proposed 30-minute bays next to the traffic lights would allow for much easier access, quick shopping and quick loading. The three-hour restrictions had been suggested by traders.

 

Councillor M McKeon echoed the comments made by Councillor Dunn and informed the Committee that the scheme had been well thought out and devised by Councillor officers in conjunction with local traders. Councillor McKeon explained that it was the traders who suffered the most through the lack of restrictions in the area and the scheme provided a workable solution which reflected the variety of different businesses located in Coxhoe and was a real bonus for the area.

 

In response to a question from Councillor J Turnbull, the Strategic Traffic Manager confirmed that limited waiting restrictions did not apply to blue badge holders and the blue badge area would provide more opportunities for people to park.

 

Moved by Councillor J Turnbull, Seconded by Councillor O Milburn and

 

Resolved

That the Committee agree to endorse the proposals and recommend to proceed with the implementation of the Coxhoe Parking and Waiting Restrictions Order 2019. With the final decision to be made by the Corporate Director under delegated powers.

Supporting documents: