Agenda item

The Committee considered a report of the Corporate Director of Regeneration, Economy and Growth which advised of the proposed changes to the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) in Blackhill and Shotley Bridge and requested that they consider the objections made during the informal and formal consultation period (for copy see file of minutes).

The Traffic Management Section Manager gave a detailed presentation which included site location plans, aerial photos and photographs of the sites and details of the following restriction:

·      To introduce ‘no waiting at any time’ restrictions (double yellow lines) on both sides of the junction of Wood Street and Swordsmiths Lane. The proposed restrictions were requested by DCC’s Corporate Property & Land to address obstructive parking on the junction of Wood Street and were supported by the local members and Durham Constabulary. One objection was received from a local resident during the informal consultation.

Councillor Earley addressed the Committee as a member of the Committee and as a local member. He advised that there were a lot of issues with parking in this area and although the proposal would address some of the issues raised it would not resolve all of them. He added that some areas were overdeveloped and that there were a lot of old roads that were not designed for two and three cars per household, and this along with inconsiderate parking created a lot of conflict. He asked whether it was possible for a review of the entire area to be undertaken in six months’ time.

Councillor Boyes referred to the boulders that had been placed on the land and asked if they were to be removed and replaced by double yellow lines. He further asked whether the Council would be liable if anyone crashed into the existing boulders.

The Strategic Traffic Manager confirmed that as it was council land, the Council would be responsible. He advised that if the boulders were removed, that this would attract people to park in the area and therefore double yellow lines would need to be introduced to control this.

Councillor Tinsley stated that the liability surrounding the boulders increased the need for the proposal to go ahead but agreed with Councillor Earley that a review of the entire area was needed.

Councillor Tinsley moved the recommendation to be approved, this was seconded by Councillor Duffy.

Resolved:

That the proposal in principle to proceed with the implementation of the Blackhill and Shotley Bridge Parking and Waiting Restrictions Amendment Order 2021 be endorsed.