Petition - To implement improvements to the junction of High Oaks Close and Centre Way, that will improve pedestrian and vehicular safety

Thank you for your recent petition requesting additional double yellow lines on High Oaks Close.

We deal with many parking related complaints and we are aware that these issues can be a cause of frustration and concern for residents. There is often an expectation that providing yellow lines or other parking restrictions is a quick and low cost measure, but unfortunately this is not the case. The provision of any formal parking restrictions requires the implementation of a legally enforceable Traffic Regulation Order (TRO), which is a relatively costly and lengthy process that includes the need for formal advertisement and consultation, and can be subject to local objections. It is also a resource intensive process and the cost of the parking signs and road markings is usually minimal compared to the staff resources and legal costs involved.

Parking matters are prioritised in the same way as all other traffic issues, with higher priority given to casualty reduction in line with our current policy. Parking issues rarely give rise to injury accidents and so they generally will be a lower priority than other traffic management matters. Reducing the numbers of people injured on our roads remains our priority and accordingly we focus our limited resources where they will achieve the greatest road safety benefit. Consequently, we are not able to consider any parking related TRO’s for locations that do not have a casualty history or proven recurring safety issues.

However, I can appreciate the concerns raised about the pedestrian crossing point close to the junction with Centre Way and so I have arranged for white ‘access protection marking’ to be provided alongside the dropped kerbs. Whilst these markings are advisory, they are generally respected by drivers and they will help to highlight the presence of the crossing point.

I appreciate this may not be the response you were hoping for, but I hope this clarifies the County Council’s position.

Yours sincerely

Cllr Rob Humby

Deputy Leader Executive Member for Economy, Transport and Environment