Meeting documents
Executive (I)
Monday, 3rd March, 2014
| REPORT TO: | 84 |
| DECISION NUMBER: | PH/26/2014 |
| EARLIEST DATE FOR DECISION: | 3rd March 2014 |
OBJECTIONS TO THE BOROUGH OF BLACKPOOL (VARIOUS ROADS) (VARIOUS RESTRICTIONS) AND (REVOCATIONS) NO.2 ORDER 2013. | |
| Matter for Consideration: To consider representations on the impact of introducing new waiting restrictions on Amy Johnson Way and Dunsop Close. | |
| Information: A number of proposals to regulate use of the highway have been 'batched' together for economical reasons. When the proposals were publicly advertised, objections were received for two of the roads, these are attached at Appendix A. Amy Johnson Way - Squires Gate Ward Amy Johnson Way has recently been fully adopted. No Waiting at Any Time is the parking restriction in force for much of its length. At its most southerly point, it has for some time suffered from severe congestion and restricted sightlines, at access points and bends in the road because of parked vehicles. The current proposal seeks to address this by removing some of the existing restrictions to create more space on the straight lengths; and introducing restrictions at bends and accesses where the visibility needs to be improved and congestion reduced. A recent survey identified 59 vehicles parked on street, and there will be space for 70 when the restrictions are amended. Sixteen objections have been received from local businesses with limited parking facilities on Amy Johnson Way, all of whom complain that they will have nowhere to park. Many state that they have family time constraints, and with the lack of public transport, have no option but to travel by car. Some representations refer to vehicle damage and pedestrian safety. The restrictions will improve visibility at key locations and this will assist both drivers and pedestrians. The Head of Transportation's recommendation is that this proposal proceeds as originally advertised as the restrictions are considered expedient on road safety grounds. Dunsop Close - Victoria Ward Dunsop Close has been congested for many years. A 30 metre disabled parking bay exists on the south side. The bay has been monitored over a period of time and seems to be rarely used. Emergency access to Dunsop Close is regularly obstructed when vehicles park on both sides of the carriageway. The proposal is to remove the disabled bay on the south side, and place waiting and loading restrictions on the north side. This removes 20 metres of o-street parking space on the north side and frees 30 metres on the south side. It also ensures unobstructed access to Dunsop Court. Two objections have been received from residents of Ansdell Road, one of whom regularly parks a horse box on Dunsop Close. He is concerned that even though he is still able to park, his large vehicle would now be outside someone's property. The other resident uses Dunsop Close as a parking facility as he has no off-street parking. Public notice of the proposals was given and the Order was advertised on site. Two objections were received from residents of Ansdell Road who had seen the notice. There was no response from Dunsop Close. Given the proposed removal of a facility which benefits the less mobile, the Ward Councillors would like a further consultation with the residents of Dunsop Close, to ensure they are fully aware of what is proposed The restrictions are considered appropriate to ensure unobstructed access to Dunsop Court, but the Head of Transportation’s view is that further consultation would be appropriate in Dunsop Court generally and regarding the loss of the disabled bay and that a decision on this proposal should be deferred. | |
| Does the information submitted include any exempt information? | NO |
| Legal Considerations: Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 (particularly ss1- 4 and 122 and Local Authorities Traffic Order (Procedure) (England and Wales) Regulations 1996. Section122 of the Act. The Council has a general network management duty under the Traffic Management Act 1984. It has a duty under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 to consider those implications. The Council also has a general equality duty under the Equality Act 2010 and should comply with the Human Rights Act 1998 and European Convention. | |
| Personnel Considerations: None | |
| Financial Considerations: Funded from Traffic Management Budget | |
| Performance Management Considerations: Improve road safety and amenity for residents and visitors | |
| Risk Management Considerations: If parking is to remain on both sides of Dunsop Close, access in an emergency could be jeopardised. This has to be balanced again the fact that the road has been regulated in this way for many years and coped. Ignoring the congestion on Amy Johnson Way with no measure of control creates potential conflict points where forward visibility and road width is restricted, creating a safety issue. | |
| Relevant Officer: Peter Cross, Head of Transportation | |
| Relevant Cabinet Member: Councillor J. Jones | |
| Consultation Undertaken: Public notice and discussion with relevant Ward Councillors in Vicoria Ward. | |
| Background Papers: | |
| Is this a key decision? | NO |
| Is the decision required in less than 5 days? | NO |
| Recommendations: To consider the proposed orders, the objections lodged and the views of the Head of Transportation. | |
| Reasons for Recommendations: It is necessary after advertising for the Cabinet Member to consider proposals and objections. | |
| Is the recommendation contrary to a plan or strategy adopted or approved by the Council? | NO |
| Is the recommendation in accordance with the Council’s approved Budget? | YES |
| Other alternative options to be considered: None | |
| Policy, Overview, and Scrutiny Committee Chairman (where appropriate) Date Informed: N/A Date Approved: N/A | |
| DECLARATION(S) OF INTEREST (if applicable) None | |
| Decision: The Cabinet Member resolved as follows: 1. To proceed with all the orders as originally advertised except the order related to Dunsop Close. 2. To undertaken further consultation on the orders on Dunsop Close. | |
| Date: | 3rd March 2014 |
| Reason for Decision: The orders are necessary in the interests of road safety. Further consultation is considered desirable on the Dunsop Close restrictions. | |
Date of Publication: | 3rd March 2014 |
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