Agenda item - Area A (Preston Park Station north) resident parking scheme extension

Report of the Executive Director of Environment, Development & Housing (copy attached).

2.1       That the Transport Committee authorises the Executive Director Environment, Development & Housing to implement the following proposals:

(a)   That a new stand alone Monday to Friday Residents Parking Scheme in the Preston Park Station north area be progressed to the final design with the Traffic Order advertised to allow further comment.

(b)   That double yellow lines in Withdean Road and Withdean Avenue be progressed to the final design with the Traffic Order advertised to allow further comment.

(c)   That an order be placed for any required pay and display equipment to ensure implementation of the new proposed parking scheme (if agreed at a further committee meeting) is undertaken as programmed. 

(d)   That within 3 months of the implementation of the scheme, a formal review is undertaken to assess its impact in the Beeches, Hazeldene Meads, Withdean Road and Withdean Avenue, and bring back a report to the next Committee meeting thereafter.

50.1         The Committee considered a report of the Executive Director of Environment, Development & Housing that set out the results of the recent public consultation for a proposed extension to the Area A Residents Parking Scheme and sought permission to proceed to the final design stage including the advertising of the relevant Traffic Regulation Orders of a stand alone Monday to Friday scheme.

50.2         In response to the public representations presented to the meeting, the Parking Infrastructure Manger clarified that the consideration of the scheme had been considerably thorough. There had been a high response to the consultation which had resulted in 50% of respondents in favour of the scheme and 50% of respondents against the scheme. The Parking Infrastructure Manager relayed that further analysis of the responses had clearly demonstrated that respondents both in favour and against the proposals had concerns about restrictions being applied at the weekend. On that basis, officers were proposing a stand alone Monday to Friday scheme to be advertised as a traffic order to allow further comments from residents. This proposal was supported by the ward councillors. The Parking Infrastructure Manager added that leaflets would also be sent to all residents making them aware of the proposals and the opportunity to respond to the traffic order.

50.3         Councillor Cox moved the following additional recommendation as shown in bold italics below:

(d)  That within 3 months of the implementation of the scheme, a formal review is undertaken to assess its impact in the Beeches, Hazeldene Meads, Withdean Road and Withdean Avenue, and bring back a report to the next Committee meeting thereafter.

50.4         The Chair put the motion to a vote which was unanimously agreed.

50.5         Councillor Robins asked if the enforcement would be between 9am and 8pm, if new schemes would be offered similar options and if there was a chance residents in areas with existing parking controls may ask for a retrospective review of tariffs in their zones.

50.6         The Parking Infrastructure Manager confirmed that enforcement would be between 9am and 8pm.

50.7         The Chair added that members of the public could request a review of their parking scheme at any time and that Preston Park Triangle was currently being consulted on a similar scheme of options for a CPZ in their area.

50.8         Councillor Theobald asked if those living in Tivoli Crescent would be able to use their permits in Woodside Avenue.

50.9         The Parking Infrastructure Manager confirmed that residents would be able to do so.

50.10    Councillor Cox stated that this was a difficult decision for the Committee as the consultation had provided a 50/50 split in favour and against. Councillor Cox added that the compelling point of the consultation and proposals was that the ward councillors were in favour and they, ultimately, were the Members directly accountable in that area. Councillor Cox supplemented that the proposals were innovative however; he was concerned about the possibility of associated problem parking arising in Hazeldene Meads and believed that should be monitored carefully.

50.11    Councillor Davey stated his support for the proposals that he believed was a intelligent and considered response to those with concerns. Councillor Davey added that the proposals would also address parking in the cycle lane on Dyke Road which had been a problem for many years.

50.12    Councillor Hawtree stated his support for the proposals and that offered flexibility for residents.

50.13    Councillor Mitchell stated her support for the proposals and that special circumstances had been taken into account. Councillor Mitchell hoped that such an approach might be applied to other areas in future schemes.

50.14    RESOLVED- That the Transport Committee authorises the Executive Director Environment, Development & Housing to implement the following proposals:

(a)   That a new stand alone Monday to Friday Residents Parking Scheme in the Preston Park Station north area be progressed to the final design with the Traffic Order advertised to allow further comment.

(b)   That double yellow lines in Withdean Road and Withdean Avenue be progressed to the final design with the Traffic Order advertised to allow further comment.

(c)   That an order be placed for any required pay and display equipment to ensure implementation of the new proposed parking scheme (if agreed at a further committee meeting) is undertaken as programmed. 

(d)   That within 3 months of the implementation of the scheme, a formal review is undertaken to assess its impact in the Beeches, Hazeldene Meads, Withdean Road and Withdean Avenue, and bring back a report to the next Committee meeting thereafter.