Contact: Richard Hague, 01962 857807

1. Summary

1.1 The following decision is sought:

That an Order be made under Sections 1, 2, 4, 32, 35, 45, 46, 49 and 51 of the Road Traffic Act 1984, the effect of which will be to impose new on-street parking controls, including limited waiting restrictions, residents' parking areas or a combination of the two, within the Sherborne Road area of Basingstoke, as shown on the attached location plan TS3796 and as per the detailed drawing No. DS-999-A0-12C, which will be displayed at the meeting.

2. Reason

2.1 On-street parking controls in this area were first raised in October 1997 when Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council received two separate petitions concerning vehicle speeds, parking and pedestrian safety in Merton Road and Sherborne Road. Subsequently, two public meetings were held to discuss the local traffic issues. Following the second of these meetings a scheme was formulated, taking into account views and representations received from residents and local representatives. The proposals were advertised with the approval of the Police and the agreement of the local Member, the late Mrs Collins. The proposals were intended to:

(i) resolve indiscriminate parking that occurs in the vicinity of residential properties throughout the Kingsclere Road/Merton Road/Vyne Road triangle that results in access difficulties, obstructions to passing traffic and restricted visibility at road junctions; and

(ii) enhance highway safety by improving visibility at junctions, improving access to residential properties and to maintain free flowing traffic conditions.

3. Objections

3.1 Following the formal advertisement period 17 objections and two letters of support were received.

3.2 Borough officers met with their local Members on 24 September 2002 to discuss the objections and, in particular, the two main areas of concern. These were Merton Road and roads in the vicinity of the Holy Ghost Church. In order to minimise the impact of any displaced parking, the restrictions in Merton Road are proposed to remain unaltered. To overcome concerns regarding parking in the vicinity of the Church, it is now proposed to promote an additional Traffic Regulation Order revising the existing parking controls to provide additional parking for residents and short stay parking within Kingsclere Road (Service Road).

3.3 The issues raised by the objectors are summarised in the attached appendix, together with officer's comments. A further order will be promoted to amend parking controls in Kingsclere Road. None of the other objections are considered significant and thus withdrawal or amendment of the proposals is not justified. Therefore, it is considered appropriate to implement the Traffic Regulation Order as originally advertised. This has been considered by Borough Council Members and the Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Environmental Sustainability has approved the Order after consideration of the objections.

4. Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Decision Maker or a Member or Officer Consulted - None.

5. Dispensation granted by the Standards Committee - Not applicable.

6. Reason(s) for the Matter being dealt with if Urgent - Not applicable.

Approved by: Date:

Councillor K B Estlin

7644/RJH