Decision Session – Executive Member for Transport

 

17 May 2022

Report of the Director of Environment, Transport and Planning

 

Stadium Parking Impact – Huntington Area

 

Summary

 

1.        This report outlines the views of residents in the Huntington area on the impacts of match day parking on nearby residential streets and suggest options for actions to take.

Recommendations



2.        The Executive is asked to:

1)   Approve further investigation into the match day parking on New Lane and Priory Wood Way Glade to develop a proposal on these streets for parking restrictions.

 

2)    Delegated approval of the proposal and authority to commence statutory consultation to the Director of Environment, Transport and Planning.

 

3)   If objections are received to the statutory consultation to bring these back to a future Executive Member for Transport Decision Session 


Reason: To respect the views of the residents on those streets about their requests for additional restrictions to help with issues related to match day parking.

4)   Approve a review of parking in the Huntington area, due to the concerns raised around the daily issues of vehicles parking too close to the junction and obstructive parking on Hambleton Way at School times.  Add any areas that are highlighted as part of the review to the annual review process to be taken forward for statutory consultation.

 

Reason: The consultation was undertaken to get a clear view of issues related to match day parking but we should not ignore other issues that were raised as part of the process.

 

5)   To take no further action on the remaining streets within the consultation area.

 

Reason: The residents of the area are not in favour of restrictions due to the personal impact that the restrictions will have on their personal lives as the restrictions will reduce the ability for visitor parking.

 

Background

 

6)       The Council received complaints from residents and ward Councillors about an increase in parking on some streets in the Huntington area on match days.  The reports were not restricted to one street and the Councils Civil Enforcement Officers had reported an increase in parking but not in contradiction of the restrictions in the area. 

 

7)       The Council posted consultation documents (Annex A) to all properties within the red line boundary in the plan named Huntington Stadium Restriction Area (Annex B) on 11th February 2022 to provide residents with an opportunity to convey their concerns/issues on any parking problems that are occurring on their street on match days.  The Consultation also provided a chance for residents to express if they would like to see any parking restrictions placed on their street to help reduce the level of match day parking on the street.

 

Consultation

 

8)       The consultation documents asked residents if they felt their street had seen an increase in parking on match days and if this level of parking differed between weekend and midweek games.  The residents were also supplied with some potential parking restriction options and asked if they would like to see them proposed for their street.  The document also provided an opportunity to make further comments on the situation to help provide a clearer understanding of the needs and issues of residents.

 

9)       The consultation received 177 responses from the residents, with 112 residents responding to say that there is not an increase in parking levels and 65 residents that stating that their street has seen an increase.  The responses were separated in to streets, to view the response on a street by street basis, to help identify individual streets of concerns for residents, the responses are shown in the table below:

 

 

Increase in Parking Levels

Difference between weekend & Mid-week

STREET

Yes

No

Yes

No

 

Anthea Drive

6

7

1

10

 

Beech Glade

1

 

1

 

 

Brockfield Park Drive

6

5

5

5

 

Cambrian Close

2

1

2

1

 

Cheviot Close

2

2

 

4

 

Cleveland Way

 

2

 

1

 

Doriam Drive

 

8

1

6

 

Elm Grove

2

5

 

6

 

Ferguson Way

4

 

1

3

 

Firwood Whin

2

1

1

2

 

Fox Covert

 

5

 

5

 

Geldof Road

2

1

2

2

 

Gorse Paddock

2

3

2

3

 

Hambleton Way

5

5

2

7

 

Hawthorn Spinney

1

9

1

7

 

Highthorn Road

 

11

 

11

 

Kendrew Close

1

3

 

4

 

Kestrel Wood Way

 

4

 

3

 

Merlin Covert

 

3

1

2

 

Minster Avenue

2

2

1

2

 

New Lane

9

7

3

12

 

Oak Glade

 

6

1

5

 

Priory Wood Way

10

 

6

2

 

Sherwood Grove

1

3

 

3

 

Whitethorn Close

4

6

 

9

 

Willow Glade

3

13

3

12

 

Total responses

65

112

34

127

 

 

 

10)    The responses from resident for the majority of the streets show that there is mixed views on if streets have seen an increase in the level of parking, with only Beech Glade (although only 1 respondent), Ferguson Way and Priory Wood Way where all response stating that there had been an increase in the parking levels.  There was several streets where all the responses received stated that they have not seen an increase in parking levels on their street, these streets were Cleveland Way, Doriam Drive, Fox Covert, Highthorn Road, Kestrel Wood Way, Merlin Covert and Oak Glade.

 

11)    The majority of responses received (127) from the residents stated that there was not a difference between the parking levels for weekend games and midweek games.  The three streets that had all responded to say that there is an increase in the parking levels on the street as a result of match day, with the exception of Beech Glade where not as clear about if there was an issue between weekend and midweek fixtures.  On Ferguson Way 1 resident thought there was a difference but 3 residents felt the impact of on street parking was the same.  The respondents of Priory Wood Way felt that there was a difference, according to 6 of response and 2 even stated that it was busier for a weekend game, whilst 2 felt the impact was the same and 2 never stated if they felt there was a difference.

 

12)    The consultation provided the residents with potential options for restrictions on their street to help remove the parking associated with the stadium, these were ‘No Waiting at any time’, ‘No Waiting 12noon till 9pm’, Residents Parking Scheme, No Restrictions or other, please specify.  The issue with parking restrictions associated with match days at the stadium is the variation in the start times, so any proposed restrictions will have to be in place for a longer period which affect the residents/guest ability to park in the area.  This was shown in the responses, as from the 171 residents that did reply 91 do not want any restrictions on their street, as it will negatively affect them and the ability for visitor parking.

 

Street

No Waiting at any time'

No Waiting 12noon till 9pm'

Residents Parking Scheme

Other, Please specify preference

No Restrictions

Anthea Drive

 

2

1

 

10

Beech Glde

 

 

 

 

 

Brockfield Park Drive

 

1

 

1

10

Cambrian Close

 

2

1

 

 

Cheviot Close

 

2

 

1

1

Cleveland Way

 

 

 

1

1

Doriam Drive

 

1

 

 

6

Elm Grove

2

2

1

1

2

Ferguson Way

 

2

1

1

 

Firwood Whin

1

 

 

2

 

Fox Covert

 

 

1

 

4

Geldof Road

 

1

 

 

2

Gorse Paddock

2

 

 

 

2

Hambleton Way

2

 

1

1

5

Hawthorn Spinney

1

 

2

 

4

Highthorn Road

 

1

 

 

10

Kendrew Close

 

1

 

 

3

Kestrel Wood Way

 

2

 

 

2

Merlin Covert

 

 

 

 

3

Minster Avenue

2

1

 

 

1

New Lane

6

5

 

1

3

Oak Glade

 

1

1

 

4

Priory Wood Way

2

2

1

1

5

Sherwood Grove

 

 

1

 

3

Whitethorn Close

1

2

2

 

5

Willow Glade

4

5

1

 

5

Total Response

23

33

14

10

91

 

 

13)    There were two streets where the respondents were more in favour of restriction to be put in place to help remove the additional parking associated with match day parking.  These streets are New Lane and Willow Glade, with the residents split between ‘No Waiting at any time’ and ‘No Waiting 12noon till 9pm’ restrictions, although on Willow Glade 5 of the respondents did request no restrictions to be placed on street and one of the comments received was “No further restrictions on New Lane, we already suffer from unnecessary yellow lines”.

 

14)    A lot of the comments received from residents related to the issue only being short term for a couple of hours every couple of week and that the Vangarde should do more to encourage use of their facilities and offer 4 hours parking on match days. Some residents could not understand why Vangarde would restrict the allocated parking time on Match days, which just reduces the use of the food and drink establishments at Vangarde.

 

15)    The other suggestions provided by residents related to the stadium taking more ownership of the issue and providing better information about parking and bus travel options when match tickets are purchased.  There was also suggestions to offer different initiatives such as reduced Park & Ride ticket prices for match ticket holders or free parking at the Park & Ride site with a match ticket or ability to book discounted parking.   Vangarde should consider removing the time restrictions on parking on match days and using pay & display machines with all charges refunded if a designated amount is spent in one of the businesses, similar to some city centre supermarkets.

 

16)    Some response stated that there are locations within the area that have issues on a daily basis not just with parking but traffic in general, which should be tackled first, for example:

 

·        Junction protection needed at Minster Avenue as this is bad most days

·        Vehicles constantly parked on Kestrel Wood Way near the shops

·        Junction protection needed for Willow Glade/New Lane

·        ‘No Waiting at any time’ restrictions on Hambleton Way will also help with problems with the school

·        Pavement parking is a problem but mainly residents

·        Parking on grass verges makes a bigger mess to the area than parking for 2-3 hours during matches or people visiting the shops

·        Vehicles parking too close to the junction of New Lane and private drives

·        Hawthorn Spinney, Hazard for Children Dangerous coming off New Lane, accident waiting to happen

·        Brockfield Park Drive is always busy with parked cars due to the businesses and any restrictions will affect those businesses

·        Make Brockfield Park Drive a no through road

·        Vehicles travelling along Brockfield Park Drive is more of a problem 500 cars an hour recorded one Saturday morning

·        Footpath Parking causing issues on Whitethorn Close

·        Cars parking on bus stop

·        More disruption from the School

·        More concerned about number of vehicles and speeds of vehicles on Priory Wood Way

·        Vehicles parking too close to junctions Vehicles parking too close to junctions

 

Officer Comments

  

17)    The consultation with the residents has not offered any clear indication if match day parking is an issue of concern for the residents or where the areas of concern are.  The residents do appear to be split on if match day parking is an issue of concern but they have been clearer about the fact that they do not feel that they should have to pay for bad planning around the stadium and the parking situation should have been considered in more detail as part of the planning for the redevelopment.

 

18)    Regular meetings have been set up between Public Transport Operator (First), The Stadium Management Company and City of York Council to discuss match day travel.  The meeting are already discussing the requirements of Rugby World Cup games that will be held at the stadium and York City Football Club website has been updated to provide up to date information on stadium travel including bus routing information.

 

Options

 

19)    Approve further investigation into the match day parking on Ferguson Way, New Lane and Priory Wood Way to look at suitable locations on those streets for restrictions and approve the statutory consultation to be undertaken on those streets, once a suitable proposal has been approved.  It is also requested that delegated approval for the proposal given to the Director of Environment, Transport and Planning.


Reason: To respect the views of the residents on those streets about their requests for additional restrictions to help with issues related to match day parking.  This section should present the options available for Members to consider.

 

20)    Approve a review of parking in the Huntington area, due to the concerns raised around the daily issues of vehicles parking too close to the junction and obstructive parking on Hambleton Way at School times.  Add any areas that are highlighted as part of the review to the annual review process to be taken forward for statutory consultation.

 

Reason: The consultation was undertaken to get a clear view of issues related to match day parking but we should not ignore other issues that were raised as part of the process.

 

21)    To take no further action on the remaining streets within the consultation area.

 

Reason: The residents of the area are not in favour of restrictions due to the personal impact that the restrictions will have on their personal lives as the restrictions will reduce the ability for visitor parking.

 

 

 

Analysis

 

22)    It is recommended to look in more detail at potential restrictions on New Lane as although the returns from New Lane were split about the impact of match day parking, those that did reply would not be against restrictions to better protect their vehicle access.  There was also several comments from residents on streets with junctions on to New Lane that vehicles were parking too close to the junctions, which is causing an issue with vehicles accessing/exiting the adjacent streets off New Lane.  This was not always contributed to match days and there was general concern about vehicles parking near the junctions causing an obstructive parking.

 

23)    Some residents on New Lane did raise concerns that the street had already been impacted by a greater level of parking restrictions due to the stadium, so a further more in depth review of the parking on the street is required prior to any proposal been put out as part of the proposal.

 

24)    It is also recommended to review Ferguson Way (4 responses) and Priory Wood Way (10 responses) as all residents that did reply, indicated that there was an issue on the street due to match day parking.  These are streets that we have received reports of from previously, so we were aware that there was an impact but unaware of the level of the impact.  The concern about implementing restrictions is that there is not a clear indication on the level of concern or requirement for restrictions due to the relatively low level of response from residents on the two street. 

 

25)    There was also no clear indication from the residents as to what level of restriction they would want to see implemented to counter act the issue and in the case of Priory Wood Walk half of the respondents did not want any restrictions at all to be implemented. There was reference made to the fact that the impact of match day parking on the street is not a daily issue and can be tolerated for a few hours every couple of weeks.

 

26)    The original consultation was brought forward to review the impact of match day parking on the area but this has given the residents an opportunity to provide information on other areas of concern that are an issue on a more regular basis for residents.  These issues need to be reviewed as we have been made aware of the obstructive parking and the highway authority cannot ignore the these concerns but prior to any proposals been made a review of the issues in these locations needs to be undertaken to ensure that the correct actions are being taken at the correct locations. 

 

27)    Although there was other streets that raised concerns, there does not appear to be any clear indication from residents that they feel/want the restrictions on their street to counter the issue.  They would like to see The Stadium Management Team and Vangarde shopping park to do more to encourage parking within their area and promote the facilities on offer.  Vangarde did allow fans to park all day during recent away games in the FA Trophy, so why do they require restrictions on parking durations for home games.  

 

Council Plan

 

28)    This report is supportive of the following priorities in the Council Plan in addition to the One Planet York Principles, that the Council Champions:

· A focus on frontline services;

· A Council that listens to residents.

 

 

Implications

 

29)    This report has the following implications:

 

Financial – If the proposals are taken forward there is money secured from the Planning application for the Stadium under Section 106 of the Town & Country Planning Act 1990.

 

Human Resources (HR) – If a suitable proposal is taken forward and implemented, enforcement would fall to the Civil Enforcement Officers necessitating an extra area onto their work load.  New restriction may create an increase in Penalty Charge Notices issued which will have an impact on the Business Support Administrative services as well as Parking Services.  Provision may need to be made to increase resources in these areas as well as within the Civil Enforcement Team.

 

Equalities The impact of the proposals on protected characteristics has been considered as follows:

·    Age – If a proposal is taken forward for restrictions on Hambleton Way, due to issues with parking around School start and finish times this twill have an impact on younger people, who receive a lift to school and force them to walk further.  If no proposal is taken forward the impact will be neutral as it is would not be recommended for any changes to take place;

·    Disability – Neutral as Blue Badge holders who live locally can apply to have a bay provided outside their homes if required;

·    Gender – Neutral;

·    Gender reassignment – Neutral;

·    Marriage and civil partnership– Neutral;

·    Pregnancy and maternity – Neutral as no changes are recommended to take place;

·    Race – Neutral;

·    Religion and belief – Neutral;

·    Sexual orientation – Neutral;

·    Other socio-economic groups including :

o   Carer - Neutral (see Disability);

o   Low income groups – Neutral;

o   Veterans, Armed Forces Community– Neutral.

   

Legal – any No Waiting restrictions implemented would be enforced by CYC Civil Enforcement Officers and included within the Traffic Regulation Order.  The Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 & the Local Authorities Traffic Orders (procedure) (England & Wales) Regulations 1996 apply.

 

Crime and Disorder – no Crime and Disorder implications identified

 

Information Technology – no implications identified

 

Property – no Property implications identified

 

Other –no other implications identified

 

Risk Management

 

23)  In compliance with the Council’s risk management strategy there is an acceptable level of risk associated with the recommended option.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contact Details

 

Author:

 

Chief Officer Responsible for the report:

Darren Hobson

Traffic Management Team Leader

Transport

Tel: (01904) 551367

 

 

James Gilchrist

Assistant Director for Transport, Highways and Environment

 

Report Approved

√

Date

06/05/2022

 

 

 

 

 

 

Specialist Implications Officer(s)  List information for all

 

Financial:                                        Legal:

Name: Patrick Looker                     Name: Cathryn Moore

Title: Service Finance Manager     Title Legal Manger

                                               

Wards Affected:  Huntington

 

 

 

 

 

 

For further information please contact the author of the report

 

 

 

     

 

Annexes

 

Annex A – Huntington Area Consult Letter

Annex B – Huntington Stadium Restriction Area