Archived decisions

Contact: Stuart Robinson-Woledge, tel 023 80 688229

email: [email protected]

1. Summary

1.1 This report brings Members up-to-date on progress made and new issues arising since the last report to this Panel in March 2005.

2. On-Street Parking Management

Decriminalised Parking Enforcement (DPE)

2.1 From the introduction of DPE in October 2004 through to the end of July 2005, 7,069 parking charge notices have been issued; of these 5,019 have been paid. The increased level of enforcement has continued to improve road safety throughout the Borough.

2.2 The introduction of DPE has settled down well and it should be noted that the Borough and County Councils are members of the National Parking Adjudication Service (NPAS) Joint Committee. This is the national body, based in Manchester, established under the relevant legislation to provide an independent adjudication service for drivers or vehicle owners wishing to appeal against a penalty charge notice. The County Council representative, Councillor Phrynette Dickens, is the Assistant Chairman of the NPAS Joint Committee.

2.3 Regulations are expected to be made during the next few months which will enable authorities already operating DPE to introduce camera enforcement of bus lanes under the Transport Act 2000. These will be superseded in due course by regulations under the Traffic Management Act when the provisions for civil enforcement outside London come into effect, although this is not expected to be until at least 2007. They will include not only parking and bus lane enforcement, but also some other moving traffic offences such as banned turns, no entry and yellow box markings.

Pay and Display Charges

2.4 It is intended that a number of parking bays within the town centre that are currently limited waiting (30 minutes or 1 hour between 8 am and 6 pm, Monday to Saturday) will become Pay and Display parking bays. These bays are in Leigh Road, Market Street, High Street and Blenheim Road.

2.5 It is anticipated that this will lead to a greater turnaround of use of parking spaces in the town centre streets and reduce the need for shoppers to drive around to search for a space. The Borough Cabinet will consider a report recommending this proposal in November.

Permit Parking Charges

2.6 The Borough Council is to introduce charges for second and subsequent residential parking permits and all carer permits in the Borough. This will start in November 2005 and apply to both existing and proposed parking schemes. For residential properties, the first permit will be free.

3. On-Street Parking Problems Associated with Schools and Colleges along Chestnut Avenue

3.1 Consultants have been commissioned to investigate and survey the current parking situation around this area and report on possible improvements. Their report recommends that a residents' parking scheme be introduced in the Monks Brook (south of Chestnut Avenue) and Cedar Road areas, with some form of parking controls in the parking places on the main routes through the general area (with the exception of Southampton Road). Designs for such a scheme have now been commissioned, the results of which are expected at the end of October.

3.2 The Locksley Road/Burns Road area was more difficult to assess. There are few problems at the moment (as acknowledged by the low number of complaints) and in isolation it was recommended that no action is necessary. However, the situation may change requiring residents' parking controls should restrictions be introduced close by.

4. New Restricted Parking Zones

4.1 There has been no further progress with the proposed Restricted Parking Zone in the former Pirelli site. Plans showing the highways to be adopted are still awaited, as is permission from the landowner to progress and implement the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO).

5. New Controlled Parking Zones

5.1 Specific objections were received to the two new Controlled Parking Zones (7 and 8) in the residential areas surrounding the former Pirelli site. A report was considered by Eastleigh Local Area Committee in September and the objections resolved. The new zones are programmed to be implemented by February 2006.

6. Rose Bowl - West End

6.1 In June 2005, area-wide parking restrictions were introduced throughout West End to assist safety, traffic flow and residential access. Feedback received following subsequent major events at the Rose Bowl has been positive and the situation will continue to be monitored.

7. Verge Parking

7.1 Objections were received to some of the proposals to introduce verge parking restrictions in a couple of the Local Areas. These objections have been resolved and it is now anticipated that the Borough-wide TRO for all roads nominated by the five Local Area Committees will be operational by the end of the current financial year.

8. School Zig-Zag Markings

8.1 All zig-zag road markings outside schools throughout the Borough are now covered by a TRO that came into effect in May 2005. They are enforceable by Borough parking attendants and provide greater safety for children and parents.

9. Speed Indicator Devices

9.1 An order has been placed for a small Speed Indicator Device (SID) for the Hedge End, West End and Botley Local Area Committee. This can be deployed on a temporary basis in response to speed concerns raised by the community or their elected Members. Discussions are ongoing with the County Council with regard to a county-wide deployment strategy for such devices, possibly linked to the safer roads and journeys target of the second round Public Service Agreement negotiations with Government.

10. Traffic Studies and Traffic Regulation Orders Work Programme

10.1 The current list of Traffic Studies and TROs and their status is attached as an appendix. The team is now back to its full complement and work on the current year's priorities is well underway. Completion of TROs funded through the Agency budget is on hold at the time of writing,

as funding to implement associated works has been fully committed. The outcome of a `top-up bid' to Hampshire County Council is awaited, which, depending on the amount, will allow progress to continue.

11. Impact Assessments

11.1 This report provides a position statement only, therefore an impact assessment, in terms of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act, has not been undertaken.

Recommendation

That this report be noted.

9301/SR-W