Agenda item

This report considers the representations received to the statutory consultation to the Notice of Proposal for the amendment of the Traffic Regulation Order, advertised on 13 September 2024, which proposed to extend the existing Resident Parking (ResPark) zone R23 (Westminster Road) to include properties on Government House Road along with the introduction of no waiting at any time restrictions (Double Yellow Lines) on Water End Slip Road, and determine what future actions are appropriate.

Resolved:   To recommend Option 1, amending the Traffic Regulation Order to introduce new Residents’ Priority Parking restrictions for Government House Road, to operate 24 hours Monday to Sunday, to be an extension of R23. In addition, it is recommended to introduce No Waiting at any Time restrictions (Double Yellow Lines) on Water End Slip Road to restrict parking 24 hours a day as outlined on the plan included as Annex E. Signs will be placed on street at the entrance to Government House Road and additional double yellow lines would be marked on Water End Slip Road

Reason:      This was the recommended option as it supported the Council’s Local Transport Strategy objectives, supported residents’ cycle and pedestrian access needs to the cycle route networks and riverside paths, addressed the parking displacement issues which would arise if restrictions were only implemented in one area, and acknowledged the views of the majority of residents on Government House Road.

A TRO may be made where it appears expedient to the Council to do so for any of the reasons set out in section 1(1)(a) to (g) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. The TRO also needs to meet the wider duty of the Council under section 122 of that Act.

The recommended option would meet the purposes in sections 1(1) (a) (c) (d) and (f) of the 1984 Act – namely for:

a.    avoiding danger to persons or other traffic using the road or any other road or for preventing the likelihood of any such arising;

b.    for facilitating the passage on the road or any other road of any class of traffic (including pedestrians);

c.    for preventing the use of the road by vehicular traffic of a kind which, or its use by vehicular traffic in a manner which, is unsuitable having regard to the existing character of the road or adjoining property; and

d.    for preserving or improving the amenities of the area through which the road runs.

This option meets the Council’s duty under section 122(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 as it would:

a.    Support the “convenient and safe movement of vehicular and other traffic (including pedestrians) and the provision of suitable and adequate parking facilities on and off the highway” (RTRA 1984, Section 122(1). The changes proposed will make the Slip Road safer to use for people walking and cycling to access the riverside whilst ensuring that on street parking remains available for residents and Blue Badge holders;

b.    “Consider the effect on the amenities of any locality affected” (RTRA 1984, Section 122(2)(b)). By restricting parking on the slip road, accessibility to the riverside amenity by walking, cycling and wheeling is improved. Local amenity for the residents of Government House Road would also be protected by reducing the risk of parking displacement through the Resident Parking scheme.

c.    Consider “any other matters appearing to the local authority to be relevant” (RTRA 1984, Section 122(2)(d)). Consideration has been given to the Council’s Local Transport Strategy and the views expressed by the residents of Government House Road.

The report was presented by the Director of Environment, Transport and Planning, who noted that this issue was returning before the Executive Member, having originally been presented in July 2024.

He responded to public participation, clarifying that this was not a total ban on parking but an institution of residents only parking; meaning that residents may purchase a parking permit to use the road, preventing displacement parking.

He clarified that the majority of residents who had responded supported officers’ recommendations, but that officers had received both support and objection in the consultation process.

He responded to concerns about accessing the river, noting that Option 2 (which was not the recommended option) would permit limited parking for this purpose. He further noted that there had been one additional written objection on this subject, received after the official deadline, but that this objection followed the same lines as those already published.

He further responded to public participation noting that whenever a proposed traffic regulation order is advertised, officers go to the emergency services as a routine part of the consultation process.

The Executive Member stressed the importance of considering Government House Road and the Water End Slip Road in tandem for this item, despite one being a residential street and the other a slip road accessing the river, changing the parking restrictions on one in isolation would inevitable have an adverse impact on the other.

She summarised that the request for residents parking on Government House Road had been received in September 2020, and since then most the residents had consistently supported the proposition of a residents parking zone.

She stated that the adjacent Water End Slip Road provides an important link between the orbital active travel route and the Riverside active travel route, and the Executive’s transport strategy included a commitment to enabling travel sustainable travel (via foot or bike). Having parking on the Slip Road means that this route was often blocked by parked cars and vehicles turning within a tight and steep place, thus making it a hazardous environment for anyone walking, wheeling and cycling.

She concluded that by removing the car parking from that road, those wishing to travel by active modes are prioritised and a safe link is created between two strategic active travel routes.

The Executive Member noted that Marygate and Esplanade carparks are available for those wishing to access the river for purposes discussed in public participation. Officers confirmed that Blue Badge holders will still be permitted limited parking here for access, and walkers and wheelers will have free access to the river and cycle path. It was therefore

Resolved:   To recommend Option 1, amending the Traffic Regulation Order to introduce new Residents’ Priority Parking restrictions for Government House Road, to operate 24 hours Monday to Sunday, to be an extension of R23. In addition, it is recommended to introduce No Waiting at any Time restrictions (Double Yellow Lines) on Water End Slip Road to restrict parking 24 hours a day as outlined on the plan included as Annex E. Signs will be placed on street at the entrance to Government House Road and additional double yellow lines would be marked on Water End Slip Road

Reason:      This was the recommended option as it supported the Council’s Local Transport Strategy objectives, supported residents’ cycle and pedestrian access needs to the cycle route networks and riverside paths, addressed the parking displacement issues which would arise if restrictions were only implemented in one area, and acknowledged the views of the majority of residents on Government House Road.

A TRO may be made where it appears expedient to the Council to do so for any of the reasons set out in section 1(1)(a) to (g) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984. The TRO also needs to meet the wider duty of the Council under section 122 of that Act.

The recommended option would meet the purposes in sections 1(1) (a) (c) (d) and (f) of the 1984 Act – namely for:

a.    avoiding danger to persons or other traffic using the road or any other road or for preventing the likelihood of any such arising;

b.    for facilitating the passage on the road or any other road of any class of traffic (including pedestrians);

c.    for preventing the use of the road by vehicular traffic of a kind which, or its use by vehicular traffic in a manner which, is unsuitable having regard to the existing character of the road or adjoining property; and

d.    for preserving or improving the amenities of the area through which the road runs.

This option meets the Council’s duty under section 122(1) of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 as it would:

a.    Support the “convenient and safe movement of vehicular and other traffic (including pedestrians) and the provision of suitable and adequate parking facilities on and off the highway” (RTRA 1984, Section 122(1). The changes proposed will make the Slip Road safer to use for people walking and cycling to access the riverside whilst ensuring that on street parking remains available for residents and Blue Badge holders;

b.    “Consider the effect on the amenities of any locality affected” (RTRA 1984, Section 122(2)(b)). By restricting parking on the slip road, accessibility to the riverside amenity by walking, cycling and wheeling is improved. Local amenity for the residents of Government House Road would also be protected by reducing the risk of parking displacement through the Resident Parking scheme.

c.    Consider “any other matters appearing to the local authority to be relevant” (RTRA 1984, Section 122(2)(d)). Consideration has been given to the Council’s Local Transport Strategy and the views expressed by the residents of Government House Road.