Decision details

Purpose of Report: The report provides an update on work to develop a community plan for the Groves area. As part of the development of the community plan an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) was made in September 2020, preventing traffic from travelling through the area whilst retaining vehicular access for all properties. As the ETRO is coming to an end the report will provide feedback from both the community consultation and the formal ETRO consultation.

The Executive will be asked to consider the objectives and the impacts of the Experimental Traffic Regulation Order in the Groves and the Groves community plan and to determine the next steps and any permanent changes to Traffic Regulation Orders.

Having noted the comments made under Public Participation on this item, it was

Resolved:  (i)      That the Chief Operating Officer (COO) approve making the ETRO permanent, with the following changes to the scheme as set out in the report:

·        changing the closure points to use bollards and signage improvements in and around The Groves;

·        making permanent the changes that were made to a small number of parking spaces, which were removed or relocated to make room for turning points at the closures, and merging the existing resident parking zones permanently.

Reason:     To provide quality alternative sustainable modes of transport in order to encourage behavioural change and maximise the use of walking, cycling and public transport and continue improving road safety; minimise the emission of harmful pollutants and traffic danger within the Groves; enhance public streets and spaces to improve the quality of life; minimise the impact of motorised traffic and encourage economic, social and cultural activity.

                   (ii)      That the COO be recommended to ask officers to continue to monitor and review the impacts of the scheme and (as part of LTP4), consider further mitigations to be identified where required.

Reason:     In line with Transport objectives, both existing LTP3 objectives and emerging LTP4 objectives and as is normal practice for newly established Low Traffic Neighbourhood schemes.

                   (iii)     That the COO be recommended to delegate authority to the Director of Environment, Planning & Transport, in consultation with the Executive Member for Transport, to sign off the detailed design for the permanent closure points (bollard type and exact locations), and approve any further small changes to parking, signing and lining required to make the arrangements permanent.

Reason:     To enable the closure points to be designed for the permanent scheme, with adequate signage for highway users within and around the Groves.

                   (iv)    That the Groves Community Plan be noted as the outcome of the community consultation and that the COO be recommended to ask officers to explore options and opportunities for external funding to bring forward objectives identified in the Plan.

Reason:     To improve the Groves area and deliver the benefits identified by the Groves Community Plan.