TRAFFORD COUNCIL

Report to: Executive Member for Economic Growth, Environment and Infrastructure Date: April 2017 Report for: Approval Report of: Principal Engineer, Traffic and Transportation, One

Report Title Road and side roads, – Proposed Waiting Restrictions Consideration of Objections

Summary In November 2015 the Council carried out a consultation with residents in the Park Road/Arthog Road area of Hale concerning proposed waiting restrictions.

As part of the consultation, the proposals were formally advertised and 9 responses were received. Of these, 2 represented objections to the proposed scheme, while a further 7 represented support for the proposals while suggesting additional restrictions in the area. The purpose of this report is to consider the objections and comments received and to seek approval to implement the scheme as detailed in the report. The scheme is illustrated on drawing E8959-01 and described in Schedule 1.

In addition this report also seeks approval to advertise additional restrictions in the area following consideration of submissions. These proposals are shown on drawing E8959-02 and E8959-03 and are described in Schedule 2.

Approval is sought to the following:

1. That the results of the consultation be noted.

2. That, following careful consideration of the objections and comments received, authorisation be given to make and introduce the Traffic Regulation Order, as advertised, and detailed in Schedule 1 to this report, as soon as is practicable.

3. That the objectors be notified of the decision taken.

4. That authorisation be given to advertise the intention to make the Traffic Regulation Order referred to in Schedule 2 to this report and as shown on drawing E8959-02 and E8959-03 and that, if no objections are maintained, the Order be made, in whole or in part.

5. That any objections maintained be reported back for consideration.

Contact person for further information:

Name: Sue Whitehead Background Papers: None

Ward: , 1101 (03/17)

1. Background

1.1. Requests have been received by the Council concerning a number of locations where inconsiderate parking of vehicles near to junctions and mounted onto footways, is occurring on parts of Park Road, Avon Road, Arthog Road and Tolland Lane in Hale Central and Hale Barns wards. These vehicles can obscure visibility for motorists and cyclists using the road and junctions, and obstruct pedestrians using the footways and crossing the carriageway.

1.2. A TMU report outlining the details of proposals for waiting restrictions and comments from key stakeholders was approved by the Head of Service on 9th November 2015 under delegated powers to advertise the intention to make the associated traffic regulation order, which was formally advertised on Wednesday 26th November 2015.

1.3. In addition to the formal advertisement, residents received a letter with a plan on the reverse side, outlining the proposals near their property. Comments or objections were required to be received before 18th December 2015

1.4. The purpose of this report is to consider the objections received and to seek approval to implement the scheme as detailed. The proposals are illustrated in drawing E8959-01 and are described in Schedule 1.

1.5. In addition, this report seeks approval to advertise additional restrictions in the area following consideration of submissions generated by the consultation. These proposals are shown on drawing E8959-02 and E8959-03 and are described in Schedule 2.

2. Consideration of Objections

2.1. In response to the consultation, a total of 9 submissions were received, of which:

 2 objected to the proposals;  7 represented support for the proposal while suggesting additional restrictions in the area and are effectively considered as objections.

2.2. A summary of the submissions and the council’s response is provided in Appendix A.

2.3. Objections to proposals:

2.3.1. One objector claimed their comments represented the “local businesses and residents of Park Road”. The objector raised concerns that restricting space for parking near to local businesses may lessen visitor numbers, and that proposals to restrict on-street parking outside people’s homes will devalue them.

The proposals are limited only to junctions, and are restricted as far as possible to 10 metres or less from them where the layout permits. This supports advice contained within the Highway Code to not park a vehicle within 10 metres or opposite a junction. As there are no additional restrictions directly outside the row

Ward: Hale Central, Hale Barns 1101 (03/17)

of businesses it is expected the impact will be minimal while addressing the road safety concerns which gave rise to the original request.

2.3.2. A second objection was received raising concerns that the restrictions proposed would impact on the value of their house should parking be restricted directly outside of their property, and would make the house inaccessible with children. Also, as with the previous objection, concerns were raised over the impact on local businesses.

In response, the proposals do not impose any further restrictions than those effectively contained within the Highway Code. Concerning access with children, the restrictions would permit stopping for the purposes of boarding and alighting (and loading/unloading). As explained in 2.3.1 the impact on businesses is expected to be minimal.

3. Consideration of responses with request for additional restrictions:

3.1 6 responses to the consultation offered support for the proposals, and suggested additional restrictions should be considered in the area.

3.2 A suggestion was received to extend the proposed restriction along Park Road (south) further westwards from Tolland Lane towards the existing bus stop. The proposal provides No Waiting at any Time restrictions for a length of 7 metres westwards from the junction. At this point the road is marked with a “Keep Clear” worded road marking protecting a vehicular access, with space for a maximum of one vehicle to wait. It is felt that there is no requirement for further extending the restriction at this time as this may provide a parking resource without a risk to road safety, particularly for short-term parking to enable visitors to the local shops. Therefore this suggestion is not recommended.

3.3 A second submission suggested extending the proposed restriction along the south side of Park Road for the entire length from Avon Road to Tolland Lane. The proposals have been carefully designed to balance the requirements for road safety with the demands for parking which exist. The restrictions on the south side of Park Road heading south-easterly have been designed to cater for 1 parked vehicle between the proposed restriction and the existing dropped kerb and associated “Keep Clear” marking. It is felt this is a suitable place to provide a parking resource while maintaining road safety and visibility at this junction. Therefore this suggestion is not recommended.

3.4 Suggestions were received concerning extending the restrictions along Arthog Road further east, on both sides of the road. Concerns were raised over access and visibility for private driveways, visibility from the Park Road give-way line and the likelihood of vehicles, displaced by the proposed restrictions, parking further east along Arthog Road.

Arthog Road is curved with reduced forward visibility in both directions. As such, should vehicles be parked between Park Road and Arthog Drive on either side, motorists travelling in either direction are at risk of conflict should they be forced further into the centre of the carriageway. Additional site visits have been undertaken and it is recommended that these concerns be addressed with an

Ward: Hale Central, Hale Barns 1101 (03/17)

additional proposal to provide No Waiting at any Time further east along Arthog Road, described in Schedule 2 and illustrated in drawing E8959-02. Advertising this additional length of restriction separately, rather than re-advertising the entire proposal, will permit the scheme as initially advertised to be implemented as soon as possible, to address existing concerns, should the recommendations contained herein be approved.

3.5 A response was received requesting extending the restriction on the north side of Park Road further west from the Arthog Road give-way junction. This was requested due to concerns with private access. The access itself is marked with an Access Highlight marking, and the proposed restriction would extend up to this. West of this access is space for 2 vehicles to park, and it is our opinion that this does not represent a risk to road safety and is a valuable parking resource. Therefore this suggestion is not recommended.

3.6 A suggestion was received to consider additional restrictions in various locations along Park Road including opposite the Avon Road junction. The request was due to the presence of private accesses which the resident considered were obstructed by parked vehicles. Each private access has Access Highlight markings and vehicles parked outside of these areas, other than those covered by restrictions in this proposal, do not represent a risk to road safety. Therefore this suggestion is not recommended.

4 Additional comments received

4.1 Further to the above and generated by the public consultation, comment was received concerning unsafe and inconsiderate parking at the nearby junction of Warwick Road/Gilbert Road. Broussa Day Nursery & Nursery School, operating from a building on the south-east corner of this junction, generates a number of parking demands at various times of day and days of the week. Observations have shown this taking place at the junction to the detriment of visibility and road safety.

4.2 It is proposed to provide junction protection in this location in the form of No Waiting at any Time restrictions such that motorist, pedestrian and cyclist visibility is maintained, as shown on drawing E8959–03

5 Comments

5.1 Chief Constable’s View: GMP have no objections.

5.2 P.T.E. View: No comments received.

5.3 Chief Fire Officer’s View: No objections from the Fire Service.

5.4 Ambulance Service View: There are no objections to the attached proposals.

5.5 Hackney Carriage Drivers/Operator Representative’s View: The Taxi Trade has no comments on this report.

Ward: Hale Central, Hale Barns 1101 (03/17)

5.6 Ward Councillors’ Comments:

Councillor Sharp: I do not raise any objection. I truly welcome parking restrictions on “the corners of all our roads” …abutting major and busy roads & junctions. ……..especial when the drivers view is restricted. Councillor Butt: There have been over the years various traffic issues raised by the local residents relating to locations referenced in the TMU report. I am, therefore, minded to be in general agreement with the report recommendations which I believe will help towards reducing the risk of accidents to both pedestrians and road users.

6 Summary and Recommendations

6.1 9 submissions to the proposals were received, including 2 objections and a summary, together with the Council’s response is provided in Appendix A.

6.2 It is recommended that the proposals for No Waiting at any Time restrictions along Park Road and side roads in Hale are implemented as advertised. These are described in Schedule 1 and illustrated in drawing E8959-01.

6.3 A number of submissions offered suggestions for additional restrictions in the area. After careful consideration it is recommended that the intention to provide additional No Waiting at any Time restrictions further east along Arthog Road and at the junction of Warwick Road/Gilbert Road is advertised. These are described in Schedule 2 and illustrated in drawing E8959-02 and E8959-03.

6.4

Schedule 1 – recommended to be implemented Street Side From To Code A point 16 metres Arthog Road, north Its junction with Park southeast of its junction 7A Hale east Road with Park Road A point 12 metres Arthog Road, south Its junction with Tolland southeast of its junction 7A Hale west Lane with Tolland Lane A point 10 metres south Avon Road, Its junction with Park both of its junction with Park 7A Hale Road Road north A point 200 metres A point 169 metres Park Road, and southeast and northeast southeast of its junction 7A Hale north of its junction with with Warwick Road west Warwick Road A point 15 metres Park Road, south Its junction with Arthog northeast of its junction 7A Hale east Road with Arthog Road A point 7 metres Park Road, south Its junction with Tolland northwest of its junction 7A Hale west Lane with Tolland Lane A point 10 metres A point 9 metres Park Road, south northwest of its junction southeast of its junction 7A Hale west with Avon Road with Avon Road

Ward: Hale Central, Hale Barns 1101 (03/17)

A point 8 metres south Tolland Lane, Its junction with Park west of its junction with Park 7A Hale Road Road A point 8 metres south Tolland Lane, Its junction with Arthog east of its junction with 7A Hale Road Arthog Road

Schedule 2 – to be advertised Street Side From To Code A point 12 metres south A point 16 metres Arthog Road, south east of its junction with southeast of its junction 7A Hale west Tolland Lane with Arthog Drive A point 16 metres A point 59 metres Arthog Road, north southeast of its junction southeast of its junction 7A Hale east with Park Road with Park Road A point 12 metres south Arthog Drive, Its junction with Arthog west of its junction with 7A Hale Road Arthog Road A point 10 metres south Arthog Drive, Its junction with Arthog east of its junction with 7A Hale Road Arthog Road A point 10 metres Gilbert Road, Its junction with Warwick Both southeast of its junction 7A Hale Road with Warwick Road A point 10 metres A point 10 metres Warwick Road, south northeast of its junction southwest of its junction 7A Hale east with Gilbert Road with Gilbert Road 7A No Waiting at any Time

Ward: Hale Central, Hale Barns 1101 (03/17)

N

Proposed No Waiting at any Time at junctions to protect visibility and access.

Drawing E8959–01 – Recommended to be implemented

Ward: Hale Central, Hale Barns 1101 (03/17)

Proposals recommended to be implemented, as N illustrated on drawing E8959-01 above.

Additional lengths of No Waiting at any Time proposed to protect junction and forward highway visibility.

Drawing E8959–02 – to be advertised

Ward: Hale Central, Hale Barns 1101 (03/17)

No Waiting at any Time proposed to protect junction visibility. N

Broussa Day Nursery

Drawing E8959–03 – to be advertised

Ward: Hale Central, Hale Barns 1101 (03/17)

APPENDIX A: ROAD LOG OBJECTS NATURE OF OBJECTION COUNCIL’S RESPONSE The proposal provides No Waiting at any Time restrictions for a length of 7 While offering support for the proposals metres westwards from the junction. At this point the road is marked with a there was a suggestion to extend the “Keep Clear” worded marking. It is felt that there is no requirement for restriction along Park Road (south) further Park further extending the restriction at this time and that any parking that does 01 No west from the Tolland Lane junction towards Road take place here is not a risk to road safety. the bus stop.

Recommend to overrule the objection and implement the proposals as Considered as an objection advertised. Our intention with this proposal is to address safety concerns for at the The resident objects as for several reasons: junctions caused by parked vehicles. Impact to local residents and

businesses has been minimised by limiting restrictions only to junctions, 1. It will severely and negatively impact the and are restricted as far as possible to 10 metres or less from them where value of my house if the closest parking is the layout permits. This supports advice contained within the Highway Code on Arthog drive or further down Park Road to not park a vehicle within 10 metres or opposite a junction. As there are 2. It will make the house almost Park no additional restrictions directly outside the row of businesses it is 02 Yes inaccessible with children Road expected the impact will be minimal while addressing the road safety 3. The removal of this parking would also concerns which gave rise to the original request. Concerning access with negatively these local independent children, the restrictions would permit waiting for the purposes of boarding businesses, which are already struggling in and alighting, as well as loading and unloading. current situation.

Recommend to overrule the objection and implement the proposals as Considered as an objection advertised. The proposals have been carefully designed to balance the requirements While offering support for the proposals for road safety with the demands for parking which exist. The restrictions on there was also a request to consider the south side of Park Road heading south-easterly have been designed to additional restrictions to cover the entire Avon cater for 1 parked vehicle between the proposed restriction and the existing 03 No length of Park Road (south side) from Avon Road dropped kerb and associated “Keep Clear” marking. It is felt this is a Road to Tolland Lane. suitable place to provide a parking resource while maintaining road safety

and visibility at this junction. Considered as an objection

Ward: Hale Central, Hale Barns 1101 (03/17)

Recommend to overrule the objection and implement the proposals as advertised. While offering support for the proposals the resident suggested extending the restrictions along Arthog Road further east, on both sides of the road. Concerns were Additional site visits have been undertaken and it is recognised that these raised over access and visibility to private concerns are valid. driveways, visibility from the Park Road Arthog 04 No give-way line and the likelihood of vehicles, Road Recommended an additional proposal to provide No Waiting at any displaced by the proposed restrictions, Time further east along Arthog Road, and described in Schedule 2 and parking further east along Arthog Road illustrated in drawing E8959-02. which is a curved road with poor forward visibility.

Considered as an objection While offering support for the proposals the The Council would not provide an access marking as part of the scheme. resident suggested that all the properties The residents can apply to have an access marking put down at a cost. between Laburnum Lane and Avon Road on

Park the south side and Warwick Road and Park 05 No Road Road on the north side of the road would

benefit from an access highlight marking. Recommend to overrule the objection and implement the proposals as

advertised. Considered as an objection While offering support for the proposals the resident suggested extending the Additional site visits have been undertaken and it is recognised that these restrictions along Arthog Road further east, concerns are valid. on both sides of the road. Concerns were Park 06 No raised over access and visibility to private Road Recommended an additional proposal to provide No Waiting at any driveways, visibility from the Park Road Time further east along Arthog Road, and described in Schedule 2 and give-way line and the likelihood of vehicles, illustrated in drawing E8959-02. displaced by the proposed restrictions, parking further east along Arthog Road

Ward: Hale Central, Hale Barns 1101 (03/17)

which is a curved road with poor forward visibility.

Considered as an objection The objector claimed their comments The proposals are limited only to junctions, and are restricted as far as represented the “local businesses and possible to 10 metres or less from them where the layout permits. This residents of Park Road”. The objector raised supports advice contained within the Highway Code to not park a vehicle concerns that restricting space for parking within 10 metres or opposite a junction. As there are no additional Park near to local businesses may lessen visitor restrictions directly outside the row of businesses it is expected the impact 07 Yes Road numbers, and that proposals to restrict on- will be minimal while addressing the road safety concerns which gave rise street parking outside people’s homes will to the original request. devalue them. Recommend to overrule the objection and implement the proposals as Considered as an objection advertised. While offering support for the proposals the The private access concerned is marked with an Access Highlight Marking, resident raised concerns over private and the proposed restriction would extend up to this from the junction to the access, and requested considering east. West of this access is space for 2 vehicles to park, and it is our Park extending the restriction on the north side of opinion that this does not represent a risk to road safety and is a parking 08 No Road Park Road further west from the give-way resource that may be provided. junction. Recommend to overrule the objection and implement the proposals as Considered as an objection advertised. While offering support for the proposals the resident raised concerns over private Each private access has Access Highlight markings and vehicles parked access, particularly on the north side of outside of these areas, other than those covered by restrictions in this Park Road, and requested consideration is Park proposal, do not represent a risk to road safety. 09 No given to implementing restrictions on both Road sides of Park Road between Avon Road Recommend to overrule the objection and implement the proposals as and the Park Rd/Arthog Rd junction. advertised.

Considered as an objection

Ward: Hale Central, Hale Barns 1101 (03/17)

Relationship to Policy Framework/Corporate Priorities none Financial The cost of providing the restrictions, estimated to be £750, is to be funded from the 2016/17 Integrated Transport Capital budget. (Sch 2473 - 9264164) Legal Implications: The proposed Traffic Regulation Order is being progressed in accordance with the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 and the Traffic Signs Regulations & General Directions 2016 and if implemented will be enforced by the Council’s Parking Services or be self enforcing. Equality/Diversity Implications none Sustainability Implications none Staffing/E-Government/Asset none Management Implications Risk Management Implications Risk of challenge to the High Court is low. Health and Safety Implications Improvements to the highway network will improve safety for all road users.

Other Options Leaving out the proposed restrictions to which objections have been raised would be detrimental to resident amenity, highway safety and would also lead to obstruction for other road users.

Consultation In addition to the statutory advertising and provision of on street notices the proposals have been the subject of direct consultation with all affected frontages and with local ward councillors. The consultation was also posted on-line during the consultation period.

Reasons for Recommendation To enable the necessary parking restrictions to be introduced and enforced, to enhance resident amenity, in the interests of highway safety and to discourage obstruction of the highway.

Finance Officer Clearance MCJH (Mark Hughes for Technical Finance Manager) Legal Officer Clearance CK (Claire Kefford - Legal Services)

CORPORATE DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC GROWTH, ENVIRONMENT AND INFRASTRUCTURE (electronic) To confirm that the Financial and Legal Implications have been considered.

Ward: Hale Central, Hale Barns 1101 (03/17)