Agenda item

The purpose of this report is to consider objections received from the public following the formal consultation process on a proposal to introduce ‘At any time’ waiting restrictions in Amberley Grove, Bywood Avenue, Dalmeny Avenue, Dunbar Avenue, Kilmartin Avenue, Melrose Avenue and Reedham Drive, and 7am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday, loading restrictions in a section of High Street, Croydon.

The Traffic Management Advisory Committee considered the report which included the objections received from the public following the formal consultation process on a proposal to introduce ‘At any time’ waiting restrictions in Amberley Grove, Bywood Avenue, Dalmeny Avenue, Dunbar Avenue, Kilmartin Avenue, Melrose Avenue and Reedham Drive, and 7am to 7pm, Monday to Saturday, loading restrictions in a section of High Street, Croydon.

Ms Janice Lawrenceaddressed the Committee in her capacity as a local resident of Reedham Drive and explained that she was not in objection to the parking restrictions; however, the proposed double yellow lines were located incorrectly. It was explained that it was not appropriate for the double yellow lines to be outside number seven, Reedham Drive, as there were not existing problems here; however, she advised that the lines were introduced outside numbers one, three and five Reedham Drive and urged the Committee to reconsider the recommendations outlined in the report.

The Parking Design Manager noted that the restrictions outside number 7 Reedham Drive could be relaxed as it would still allow refuse and emergency services vehicles to access the road. In response to Councillor Hoar it was confirmed that the officers could re-consult with the local residents and bring the new plans back to the Traffic Management Advisory Committee.

Mr Andrew Odusanya addressed the Committee in his capacity as a local resident of the Norbury & Pollards Hill ward and explained that he was speaking in objection to the proposals outlined in the report for Dalmeny Avenue, Dunbar Avenue, Kilmartin Avenue and Melrose Avenue. He noted that the proposed restrictions would negatively impact on the local residents as they would not be able to park close to their property and this would become a safety issue.

The Parking Design Manager recognised that there were current parking difficulties in the area so had designed a scheme to just restrict parking by the junctions. 

Councillor Ben-Hassel addressed the Committee in her capacity as the local Ward Councillor for Norbury & Pollards Hill and explained that the residents were very supportive of the scheme as there had been parking problems in the area. She thanked the officers for their hard work to design a scheme to mitigate the problems in the area.

In response to Councillor Jewitt the Parking Design Manager explained that the Highway Code stated that vehicles should not parking within 10 meters of a junction and the police had the ability to issue tickets for this breach. He noted that the Council could introduce parking bays less than 10 meters; however, this had only been done in quieter areas if it was suitable. He confirmed with Councillor Jewitt that the proposed parking restrictions were in line with the Highway Code; however, the plans could be revised to have the double yellow lines seven meters long from each junction.

In response to queries raised regarding the safety issues in the Norbury & Pollards Hill ward, the Parking Design Manager explained that the proposed parking restrictions were in response to concerns received from the local residents. The majority of objections were regarding one particular junction in the area; however, the officers took the view of proposing restrictions for all nine junctions would benefit the area and residents. 

In response to Councillor Clark’s queries regarding High Street, Fairfield ward, the Head of Parking Services explained that there were current congestion issues on the road due to delivery vehicles, and these were particularly causing delay to the buses. The proposed loading bay on the opposite side of High Street was initially for Surrey Street market workers, as there was no vehicle access to Surrey Street; however, the affected public house could use it too. Councillor Clark noted concern for the proposals but explained that he would like a restriction in the area to improve the safety for pedestrians and vehicle drivers and also to improve the congestion issues. He would stay in contacted with the affected public house and feedback to the officers. The Parking Design Manager clarified that the proposed scheme could be monitored for six months and then could be amended or revoked if it was not having a positive impact.

Councillor Hoar proposed that the introduction of the parking restrictions on Reedham Drive was postponed to allow time for the officers to re-consult with residents and design a new scheme for the area. The proposal for deferral was seconded by Councillor Jewitt. This amendment to the recommendations was carried unanimously.

Councillor Jewitt proposed an amendment to the recommendations for the proposed double yellow lines in the Norbury & Pollards Hill ward (Dalmeny Avenue, Dunbar Avenue, Kilmartin Avenue and Melrose Avenue) to be reduced from ten meters to seven meters. This amendment was seconded by Councillor Clark. This amendment to the recommendations was carried unanimously.

RESOLVED – That the Traffic Management Advisory Committee recommend to the CabinetMember for Environment, Transport and Regeneration that they:

1)    Consider the objections received to the proposed parking restrictions and the officer’s recommendations in response to these in:

·         Amberley Grove, Addiscombe West

·         High Street, Croydon / Robert Street, Fairfield

·         Dalmeny Avenue / Dunbar Avenue / Kilmartin Avenue / Melrose Avenue, Norbury & Pollards Hill

·         Reedham Drive, Purley & Woodcote

·         Bywood Avenue, Shirley North

2)    Agree the following, for the reasons set out in this report:

·         To proceed with the restrictions, as proposed, at each of the above locations, excluding the locations at Norbury & Pollards Hill ward and Reedham Drive due to the agreed amendments of the Committee.

3)    Delegate to the Highway Improvement Manager, Highways, the authority to make the necessary Traffic Management Order under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (as amended) in order to implement recommendation 2 above.