METROPOLITAN BOROUGH COUNCIL

Report to: Executive Member for Highways and Transportation Date: September 2013 Report for: Approval Report of: Corporate Director of Environment, and Operations

Report Title

SIR MATT BUSBY WAY, Proposed Introduction of Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) with associated New and Amended Waiting and Loading Restrictions and Amendments to Taxi Ranks. Consideration of Objections

Summary

Discussions have been held with representatives of Football Club and the Trade by way of a review of the operation of the Prohibition of Driving scheme (especially with regards to access and traffic movement) and the level of provision and location of ranks for hackney carriages within the vicinity of the PoD. As a result, it is proposed to introduce a Controlled Parking Zone on Sir Matt Busby Way, with associated new and amended waiting and loading restrictions, and to amend the existing Taxi Ranks in the vicinity. The proposals are detailed in this report and are shown on drawing numbers E8831/03 and E8831/04 (both Revision A). The proposals have been advertised and a total of 16 objections have been received, all relating to the removal of taxi rank provisions.

Recommendations

Members are asked to agree the following: 1. That the objections to the proposal be noted. 2. That authorisation be given to make and introduce the Traffic Regulation Order as advertised, as detailed in the schedules to this report and as shown on drawing E8831/03 and E8831/04, as soon as is practicable. 3. That the objectors to the scheme be notified of the Council’s decision

Contact person for access to background papers and further information:

Name: Paul Bentley Extension: 4783 Background Papers: None

Ward: , Longford St04 (09/13)

1.0 BACKGROUND

1.1 Following the introduction of the Prohibition of Driving (PoD) Order on Sir Matt Busby Way, to the frontage of the Old Trafford Stadium, two culs-de-sac have been created, one to the north of the PoD and one to the south.

1.2 The northerly of these culs-de-sac, accessed from Wharfside Way, provides vehicular access only to Manchester United and in particular to the northernmost gate of East Car E2. The southerly cul-de-sac, to the north of Railway Road, again only provides vehicular access to Manchester United and in particular to the southernmost gate of East Car Park E2 and to the gate of East Car Park E1. The PoD provides exemptions for access and for pedal cycles, as the National Cycle Network Route 55 passes along Sir Matt Busby Way.

1.3 In association with the introduction of the PoD, the opportunity was taken to review taxi rank provision in the immediate vicinity of the stadium (with some consequential amendments to existing waiting restrictions) and these were agreed with the representatives of the Hackney Carriage trade. In order to expedite the introduction of the PoD, the associated waiting restrictions and agreed taxi rank provision were designed in parallel with the emerging proposals for the physical treatment of the PoD (the layout of paving, bollards etc) that at the time were still being developed. The waiting restrictions and taxi rank provision on Sir Matt Busby Way as per the made Traffic Regulation Order (and contained within the Council’s Parkmap system) are as shown on drawings E8831/01 and E8831/02.

1.4 However, the final scheme for the treatment of the PoD exhibited a number of differences from the earlier proposals that conflicted with the provisions of the confirmed Traffic Regulation Order for the introduction of the agreed taxi ranks. In particular, a proposed single-cab rank on the westerly side of Sir Matt Busby Way, immediately to the south of the PoD (shown in red on drawing number E8831/02 and yellow on drawing number E8831/04), could no longer be provided. It will be seen from the drawings that this rank cannot be implemented as per the made Order due to the final location of the bollards giving effect to the PoD. The remainder of the provisions of the Order were introduced, but this particular rank has never been implemented for the above reason.

1.5 Discussions have subsequently taken place between the Council and the representatives of the Hackney Carriage trade and the Council and Manchester United with a view to satisfactorily resolving this issue; the loss of the single-cab rank being of particular concern to the taxi trade (as it was regarded by the taxi trade as occupying a highly visible location that would, therefore, have been well used by visitors) and its provision being opposed by Manchester United. After lengthy discussions, it has been agreed that the single-cab rank should be revoked but that three other taxi ranks on Sir Matt Busby Way in the vicinity of the stadium would be extended, partly so as to improve their visibility for visitors leaving the stadium. These revised proposals are described below.

1.6 The discussions between the Council and Manchester United have also constituted a review of the operation of the PoD in terms of its effect on traffic movements and access/egress within the culs-de-sac to the north and south of the PoD. In this regard, Manchester United’s principal concerns are not only that there should be ease of access and egress by car for visitors and staff to and from East Car Parks E1 and E2, but that there should be unobstructed access for emergency vehicles should an incident arise during the course of an event that requires such access. Additionally, the Club must remain vigilant to the potential threat of terrorist attacks at the ground; the ability to legitimately park vehicles including goods vehicles close to the ground is therefore a concern. Ward: Gorse Hill, Longford St04 (09/13)

1.7 Experience of the PoD in operation has revealed some issues with respect to access and egress under normal operating circumstances that suggest that vehicular access to and egress from the stadium, including for emergency vehicles, could become obstructed and that this is partly as a result of an absence of a prohibition of loading within the culs-de-sac. It is therefore proposed, as described below, to introduce a prohibition of loading and waiting within the culs-de-sac as part of the review of taxi rank provision on Sir Matt Busby Way. The representatives of the Hackney Carriage trade have been made aware of this proposal.

2.0 PROPOSALS

2.1 The proposals are shown on drawings E8831/03A and E8831/04A. Note that the layout of the junction of Wharfside Way and Sir Matt Busby Way as shown on drawing E8831/03 is the future layout proposed following the completion of the adjacent hotel currently under construction.

2.2 One of the issues for Manchester United in respect of crowd control/ management and the movement of pedestrians is that of street furniture. Not only is the Council continuously aware of and responsive to the need to reduce street clutter when introducing new traffic schemes, there is an added dimension here in that the presence of additional poles and signs associated with traffic regulation orders could become a hazardous obstruction to pedestrians when, as at the end of events, there is a high concentration of people moving away from the ground. The proposal to introduce a prohibition of loading, in addition to No Waiting At Any Time restrictions, would, under normal circumstances, require the erection of No Loading plates, which could become a hazard whether mounted on dedicated poles or on existing low-level street furniture.

2.3 To overcome this, it is proposed to introduce a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) on Sir Matt Busby Way. A CPZ has Zone entry signs that show the times that waiting and loading are prohibited (in this case, at all times) within the zone. Where the waiting and loading restrictions within the zone operate at the same times as shown on the entry signs (which would be the case here) upright signs within the zone are not normally required. The proposed taxi ranks within the zone would be designated hackney carriage stands (operating at all times and prohibiting stopping other than by hackney carriages) and would be signed in the usual way. However, as now, every effort would be made to ensure that taxi rank signs are mounted other than on dedicated poles.

2.4 It is proposed that the CPZ would cover an area that includes the northerly cul-de-sac on Sir Matt Busby Way (from a point to the north of the Canal Bridge to the cul-de-sac end as shown on drawing E8831/03 Revision A and as detailed in Schedule 1 below), the southerly cul-de-sac on Sir Matt Busby Way (from a point 15m to the north of Railway Road to the cul-de-sac end as shown on drawing E8831/04 Revision A and as detailed in Schedule 1 below), together with the access roads leading up to the gated entrances to the East Car Parks E1 and E2 as shown on the drawings. Within the zone, other than where designated hackney carriage stands would be provided, there would be a prohibition of loading and waiting at any time as shown on the drawings.

2.5 It is proposed to extend the existing taxi ranks on Sir Matt Busby Way to the north of the PoD as shown on drawing E8831/03 Revision A. That on the west side would be extended by 7m and that on the east side by 6m, providing space for one extra cab on each rank, to 7 and 6 cabs respectively.

2.6 As described in paragraph 1.5 above, it is proposed to revoke the existing single-cab taxi rank on the westerly side of Sir Matt Busby Way located immediately to the south of the PoD, as shown on drawing E8831/04 Revision A and as detailed in Schedule 3 Ward: Gorse Hill, Longford St04 (09/13)

below. For the purposes of facilitating the free flow of traffic into and out of the southerly cul-de-sac and associated Manchester United Car Parks, including for emergency vehicles, it is also proposed to revoke the existing taxi rank on the easterly side of Sir Matt Busby Way shown in yellow on drawing E8831/04 Revision A and as detailed in Schedule 3 below.

2.7 It is proposed to extend the existing taxi rank on the westerly side of Sir Matt Busby Way to the south of the PoD by 6m in a northerly direction as shown on drawing E8831/04 Revision A and as detailed in Schedule 2 below, providing space for one extra cab on the rank, to 10 cabs.

2.8 Other than where designated taxi ranks are provided, no waiting and no loading at any time restrictions are proposed, which as already described would be identified by the usual double yellow lines and kerb tabs but without upright signs. The extent of these restrictions is shown on drawings E8831/03 Revision A and E8831/04 Revision A.

2.9 The necessary revocations of existing waiting restrictions and taxi ranks are as described in Schedule 3 below. Where it is intended that existing No Waiting At Any Time restrictions that would otherwise be revoked should be retained, it is proposed to re-instate these as described in Schedule 2B below. The proposed amendments to existing waiting restrictions take account of the imminent development of a hotel on land on the easterly side of Sir Matt Busby Way at its junction with Wharfside Way, which will result in alterations to kerb lines and island configurations at the junction.

2.10 The proposals were the subject of a formal consultation exercise that ended on 19 July 2013. The scheme was advertised in a local newspaper and on the Council’s website during the statutory consultation period.

3.0 CONSIDERATION OF OBJECTIONS

3.1 A total of 16 objections have been received, all relating to the removal of taxi rank provisions. A summary of the objections and the Council’s response is included as Appendix A to this report. The Council has given careful consideration to each of the objections and the Council’s response is set out in the table at Appendix A to this report.

3.2 Taking into account the views expressed by the Taxi Trade and Manchester United regarding traffic conditions in the locality of the PoD and car park entrances, along with our investigations, it is considered that the proposals will alleviate the majority of concerns expressed by both parties and will assist with the free flow of traffic into and out of the southerly cul-de-sac and associated Manchester United Car Parks, including for emergency vehicles.

3.3 It is therefore recommended that the proposals are implemented as advertised and as detailed in the Schedules below.

4.0 VIEWS OF CONSULTEES

4.1 Chief Constable’s View: GMP have no issues with the proposals

4.2 Chief Fire Officer’s View: there are no objections to these proposals from Fire & Rescue Service

4.3 Transport for Greater Manchester’s View: Having reviewed the proposals we have no issues to raise

4.4 Ambulance Service’s View: No comments received. Ward: Gorse Hill, Longford St04 (09/13)

4.5 Hackney Carriage Driver/Operator Representative’s View: The trade are disappointed that the objections raised are being over-ruled.

4.6 Ward Members’ Comments: No comments received.

5.0 CONCLUSIONS

5.1 A total of 16 objections have been received, all relating to the removal of taxi rank provisions. A summary of the objections and the Council’s response is included as Appendix A to this report.

5.2 The Council has given careful deliberation to each of the objections and the Council’s response is set out in the table at Appendix A to this report. It is considered that the proposals would ensure that vehicles cannot be left in areas of the culs-de-sac to the north and south of the PoD where they might cause an obstruction, would make suitable provision for taxi ranks close to the stadium that would have increased conspicuity and will assist with the free flow of traffic into and out of the southerly cul- de-sac and associated Manchester United Car Parks, including for emergency vehicles.

5.3 It is recommended that the traffic regulation order as detailed in this report and the schedules below be introduced as it would enable the benefits of the proposed scheme to be realised.

6.0 SCHEDULES

SCHEDULE 1 – PROPOSED CONTROLLED PARKING ZONE (CPZ)

The area of the Controlled Parking Zone shall be an area comprising all of the streets described in the schedule below and the boundaries of which are indicated by traffic signs of a kind shown in Diagram 663 of the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002 (as amended) and within which there shall be no waiting and no loading at any time other than by hackney carriages within designated hackney carriage stands.

Street From To Code Sir Matt Busby A point approximately 22 Its cul-de-sac end including CPZ7A7A Way, , metres south of its south its cul-de-sac end northerly cul-de- easterly junction with sac Wharfside Way Sir Matt Busby A point approximately 15 Its cul-de-sac end including CPZ7A7A Way, Stretford, metres north of its junction with its cul-de-sac end southerly cul-de- Railway Road sac The northerly Its junction with Sir Matt Busby The northerly gated access CPZ7A7A vehicular access Way to Manchester United East to Manchester Car Park E2 United East Car Park E2, Stretford The southerly Its junction with Sir Matt Busby The southerly gated access CPZ7A7A vehicular access Way to Manchester United East to Manchester Car Park E2 United East Car Park E2, Stretford

Ward: Gorse Hill, Longford St04 (09/13)

The vehicular Its junction with Sir Matt Busby The gated access to CPZ7A7A access to Way Manchester United East Car Manchester Park E1 United East Car Park E1, Stretford

SCHEDULE 2A – PROPOSED DESIGNATED HACKNEY CARRIAGE STANDS Proposed amendment to the Borough of Trafford (Prohibition of Waiting and Loading and Provision of Parking) Order 2001, as amended: No Stopping Except Taxis At Any Time Street Side From To Code Sir Matt Busby East A point 27 metres south A point 58 metres south 6ST7A Way, Stretford of its junction with of its junction with Wharfside Way Wharfside Way Sir Matt Busby West A point 33 metres south A point 70 metres south 7ST7A Way, Stretford of its junction with of its junction with Wharfside Way Wharfside Way Sir Matt Busby West A point 66 metres north A point 15 metres north 10ST7A Way, Stretford of its junction with of its junction with Railway Road Railway Road

SCHEDULE 2B – PROPOSED Proposed amendment to the Borough of Trafford (Prohibition of Waiting and Loading and Provision of Parking) Order 2001, as amended:

Street Side From To Code Sir Matt Busby East Its junction with A point 22 metres south 7A Way, Stretford Wharfside Way of its junction with Wharfside Way Sir Matt Busby East A point 98 metres north A point 43 metres north 7A Way, Stretford of its junction with of its junction with Chester Road Chester Road Sir Matt Busby East A point 43 metres north A point 23 metres north LJ6 Way, Stretford of its junction with of its junction with CRPA Chester Road Chester Road Sir Matt Busby East A point 23 metres north Its junction with Chester 7A5P Way, Stretford of its junction with Road Chester Road Sir Matt Busby West Its junction with A point 26 metres south 7A Way, Stretford Wharfside Way of its junction with Wharfside Way

SCHEDULE 3 – TO BE REVOKED Proposed amendment to the Borough of Trafford (Prohibition of Waiting and Loading and Provision of Parking) Order 2001, as amended:

Street Side From To Code Sir Matt Busby East Its junction with Wharfside A point 21 metres south 7A Way, Stretford Way of its junction with Wharfside Way Sir Matt Busby East A point 21 metres south A point 46 metres south 5ST7A Way, Stretford of its junction with of its junction with Wharfside Way Wharfside Way Sir Matt Busby East A point 46 metres south A point 217 metres south 7A Ward: Gorse Hill, Longford St04 (09/13)

Way, Stretford of its junction with of its junction with Wharfside Way Wharfside Way including both sides of the access road to the car park Sir Matt Busby East A point 217 metres south A point 252 metres south 7ST7A Way, Stretford of its junction with of its junction with Wharfside Way Wharfside Way Sir Matt Busby East A point 252 metres south A point 332 metres south 7A Way, Stretford of its junction with of its junction with Wharfside Way Wharfside Way Sir Matt Busby East A point 332 metres south A point 352 metres south LJ6 Way, Stretford of its junction with of its junction with CRPA Wharfside Way Wharfside Way Sir Matt Busby East A point 352 metres south Its junction with Chester 7A5P Way, Stretford of its junction with Road Wharfside Way Sir Matt Busby West Its junction with Wharfside A point 25 metres south 7A Way, Stretford Way of its junction with Wharfside Way Sir Matt Busby West A point 25 metres south A point 55 metres south 6ST7A Way, Stretford of its junction with of its junction with Wharfside Way Wharfside Way Sir Matt Busby West A point 55 metres south A point 88 metres north of 7A Way, Stretford of its junction with its junction with Railway Wharfside Way Road Sir Matt Busby West A point 88 metres north of A point 83 metres north of 1ST7A Way, Stretford its junction with Railway its junction with Railway Road Road Sir Matt Busby West A point 83 metres north of A point 60 metres north of 7A Way, Stretford its junction with Railway its junction with Railway Road Road Sir Matt Busby West A point 60 metres north of A point 15 metres north of 9ST7A Way, Stretford its junction with Railway its junction with Railway Road Road Sir Matt Busby West A point 30 metres north of A point 50 metres north of 4ST7A Way, Stretford its junction with Railway its junction with Railway Street (sic) Street (sic)

Code:

CPZ7A7A - No Waiting At Any Time – No Loading At Any Time

7A - No Waiting At Any Time

7A5P - No Waiting At Any Time and No Loading Monday – Friday, 7.30 – 9.30am and 4 – 6.30pm

7A7A – No Waiting At Any Time – No Loading At Any Time

LJ6CRPA - 1 hour Limited Waiting (No Return Within 1 hour) Monday – Saturday, 8am – 6pm Except Area A Permit Holders

XST7A - No stopping at any time except taxis (X = number of taxis)

Ward: Gorse Hill, Longford St04 (09/13)

Appendix A Ref OBJECTION COUNCILS RESPONSE 1 The taxi rank is well used by both visitors and There are a total of 4 taxi ranks in the locals. Often visitors go straight to the ; immediate vicinity of the ground - the there is little alternative transport but taxi for proposal is to extend 3 of them and remove this route. The taxi rank generates sustained the 4th one, resulting in a total of 23 spaces, a employment income for the taxi drivers who net loss of 4 spaces. The proposed number are predominantly Trafford residents. The income generated is important day-time of spaces is considered suitable given the income allowing for two drivers to share the amount of cabs typically using the ranks. expense of running the taxi contributing to maintaining taxi at reasonable levels to The extended ranks will also improve their the benefit of Trafford residents. visibility for visitors leaving the stadium. The taxi rank ensures that visitors are not lured into unlicensed vehicles with drivers who may have sinister motives or un-booked private hire vehicles that may be dropping off at the stadium and willing to take an opportunistic should it arise, leading to passengers travelling in uninsured vehicles. The taxi rank ensures a constant supply of wheelchair accessible vehicles in line with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010, with many visitors arriving by but finding the distance from station to stadium longer than expected especially laden with shopping from the souvenir shop. The taxis themselves are a tourist interest as evidenced by visitors desire to be photographed alongside them.

2 With over 40 extra cabs introduced some There are a total of 4 taxi ranks in the years ago plus another 5 due to appear later immediate vicinity of the ground - the this year, where are they expected to rank? proposal is to extend 3 of them and remove You should be constructing new ranks not the 4th one, resulting in a total of 23 spaces, a removing them and they should be in the net loss of 4 spaces. The proposed number places where they are most useful. Having been involved in the hackney carriage trade for of spaces is considered suitable given the the past 18 years I wonder what TBC will do amount of cabs typically operating from the next to make life more difficult for us. You give ranks. the impression that you really don't care what befalls us even when you have sought our Two new ranks are being considered in the opinions. You often do the opposite to any of locality (Waters Reach and Trafford Wharf our suggestions. Are Manchester Utd going to Road) – these proposals will be considered provide their own form of transport now they by Members shortly. virtually own Matt Busby Way as happened at the Trafford Centre when it opened. Being the licensing authority for our trade you have a duty to provide the means by which we can operate, especially in these very difficult times. I would therefore expect TBC to honour their obligations. 3 1. It is a busy taxi rank that safely services the There are a total of 4 taxi ranks in the stadium offering fantastic service to the public immediate vicinity of the ground - the 2. There is already a limit on taxi spaces in proposal is to extend 3 of them and remove Trafford at the moment which will be the 4th one, resulting in a total of 23 spaces, a compounded by the repair work being done at net loss of 4 spaces. The proposed number terminus 3. There is no where in the locum that can of spaces is considered suitable given the situate a large rank big enough for the amount amount of cabs typically operating from the of cabs it holds ranks.

Ward: Gorse Hill, Longford St04 (09/13)

The proposed Controlled Parking Zone 4.Being in a prime spot by the stadium it stops restricts parking and loading at all times private hire taxis illegally parking up and taking (other than by hackney carriages within unsuspecting members of the public that have designated hackney carriage stands) difficulty understanding the rules of the taxi trade (many foreign visitors) 5. From a more personal note by keeping this rank it shows that Trafford can’t be bullied by "Manchester united" who seem hell bent on buying the road and ordering Trafford about and telling them what to do. 4 A taxi rank is needed at old Trafford I strongly There are a total of 4 taxi ranks in the oppose that closure of it immediate vicinity of the ground - the proposal is to extend 3 of them and remove the 4th one, resulting in a total of 23 spaces, a net loss of 4 spaces. The proposed number of spaces is considered suitable given the amount of cabs typically operating from the ranks.

5 I object to u taking away the utd rank - it’s our There are a total of 4 taxi ranks in the bread and butter. immediate vicinity of the ground - the proposal is to extend 3 of them and remove the 4th one, resulting in a total of 23 spaces, a net loss of 4 spaces. The proposed number of spaces is considered suitable given the amount of cabs typically operating from the ranks. 6 I am writing to object to the proposed closure There are a total of 4 taxi ranks in the of the taxi rank at Old Trafford. As a regular immediate vicinity of the ground - the attender at Old Trafford this facility is of proposal is to extend 3 of them and remove invaluable assistance to me and my family re the 4th one, resulting in a total of 23 spaces, a transportation from the ground. For the sake of net loss of 4 spaces. The proposed number ordinary visitors to your city please reconsider of spaces is considered suitable given the amount of cabs typically operating from the ranks. 7 Hi there please don't delete the united ground There are a total of 4 taxi ranks in the ranks its already less work so if you going to immediate vicinity of the ground - the delete the united ground ranks the drivers who proposal is to extend 3 of them and remove work on that ranks they will come sale and the 4th one, resulting in a total of 23 spaces, a Altrincham ranks and that ranks is already full net loss of 4 spaces. The proposed number and less work please consider on my advice and I don't know what is the reason behind this of spaces is considered suitable given the Decision Please think twice thanks amount of cabs typically operating from the ranks. 8 That is unacceptable situation for taxi drivers There are a total of 4 taxi ranks in the who works off this rank. immediate vicinity of the ground - the You are taking our living out of our hands. proposal is to extend 3 of them and remove There is not enough taxi ranks in Trafford as it the 4th one, resulting in a total of 23 spaces, a is and deleting this rank would make it even net loss of 4 spaces. The proposed number harder for us. İ would be grateful if you decided not to. of spaces is considered suitable given the amount of cabs typically operating from the ranks.

Two new ranks are being considered in the locality (Waters Reach and Trafford Wharf Road) – these proposals will be considered by Members shortly.

Ward: Gorse Hill, Longford St04 (09/13)

9 I feel that there are not enough viable rank There are a total of 4 taxi ranks in the spaces in the Trafford area at the present time immediate vicinity of the ground - the and to close down rank spaces would be proposal is to extend 3 of them and remove detrimental to the trade. the 4th one, resulting in a total of 23 spaces, a I therefore ask that the council reconsider and net loss of 4 spaces. The proposed number not close any ranks in the Trafford area. of spaces is considered suitable given the amount of cabs typically operating from the ranks.

Two new ranks are being considered in the locality (Waters Reach and Trafford Wharf Road) – these proposals will be considered by Members shortly. 10 I object to the removal of the taxi rank and it is There are a total of 4 taxi ranks in the well services by the taxi. Customer is frequent. immediate vicinity of the ground - the proposal is to extend 3 of them and remove the 4th one, resulting in a total of 23 spaces, a net loss of 4 spaces. The proposed number of spaces is considered suitable given the amount of cabs typically operating from the ranks 11 As a Trafford taxi driver strongly object to the There are a total of 4 taxi ranks in the deletion of the rank at Old Trafford, reducing immediate vicinity of the ground - the our opportunity of earnings. proposal is to extend 3 of them and remove the 4th one, resulting in a total of 23 spaces, a net loss of 4 spaces. The proposed number of spaces is considered suitable given the amount of cabs typically operating from the ranks 12 I object to the proposed removal of the rank as There are a total of 4 taxi ranks in the we have a lot of problems with private hire immediate vicinity of the ground - the picking up around the ground. The ranks are proposal is to extend 3 of them and remove the only way we can show our presence to try the 4th one, resulting in a total of 23 spaces, a and stop the private hire picking up illegally net loss of 4 spaces. The proposed number and stop it becoming a free for all of spaces is considered suitable given the amount of cabs typically operating from the ranks

The proposed Controlled Parking Zone restricts parking and loading at all times (other than by hackney carriages within designated hackney carriage stands) 13 I object to the deletion of the taxi ranks on sir There are a total of 4 taxi ranks in the matt busby way. To delete this would have an immediate vicinity of the ground - the adverse effect on my livelihood and that of the proposal is to extend 3 of them and remove Trafford trade as well. the 4th one, resulting in a total of 23 spaces, a What is the official reason for this deletion? net loss of 4 spaces. The proposed number According to the drawings you are deleting the original one space rank that was never built of spaces is considered suitable given the because no one was watching where they amount of cabs typically operating from the United were building the bollards. ranks Why are you deleting this if it never existed in the first place? It is not considered appropriate for an event I would like to suggest a compromise why not only rank at this location - when an event make it an event only rank so when something takes place at the ground Sir Matt Busby is on we use it and when its not on we don't Way is often closed to traffic, including and you don't have to delete it and can use it hackney cabs. If the road is not closed it is for whatever you're looking at. Ward: Gorse Hill, Longford St04 (09/13)

even more important to ensure that the free flow of traffic into and out of the southerly cul- de-sac and associated Manchester United Car Parks, including for emergency vehicles is facilitated. 14 This is an extremely used rank which I There are a total of 4 taxi ranks in the personally use often. immediate vicinity of the ground - the We need these ranks for access to the ground proposal is to extend 3 of them and remove and public. Should this go then it's another nail the 4th one, resulting in a total of 23 spaces, a in the coffin for Trafford black cabs and step up net loss of 4 spaces. The proposed number for pirating private hire yet again stealing all our work. This is going on all over Trafford of spaces is considered suitable given the more so in the busier night areas where they amount of cabs typically operating from the are blatantly pulling on ranks and 2 fingers up ranks. to us as they pull off. You are allowing this as not enough stings going on to catch them. So The proposed Controlled Parking Zone imagine losing one of our most prized ranks restricts parking and loading at all times right outside the most famous and supported (other than by hackney carriages within club in the world. designated hackney carriage stands) We're fed up of having to fight you all the time to keep a shirt on our back. 15 We object to the order relating to the revoking There are a total of 4 taxi ranks in the of the existing Taxi Rank on the Chester Road immediate vicinity of the ground - the side of Sir Matt Busby Way, close to the proposal is to extend 3 of them and remove existing car park E1. the 4th one, resulting in a total of 23 spaces, a net loss of 4 spaces. The proposed number The order proposes to revoke the existing rank on the easterly side of Matt Busby Way. This of spaces is considered suitable given the would significantly reduce the ability of the amount of cabs typically operating from the Hackney Carriage Taxi Trade to rank up and ranks. It is not considered that the proposals be available for members of the public and no will hinder the Hackney Carriage vehicles alternative ranks have been proposed in being able to service the rank – indeed the relation to this area. This matter has been Controlled Parking Zone should make it subject to significant discussions over recent easier. years and we are disappointed that the revoking of the rank has been included in this The proposed revocation of the taxi rank on particular order. the easterly side of Sir Matt Busby Way is to

We believe that the revoking of the existing facilitate the free flow of traffic into and out of taxi rank should be removed from the Order as the southerly cul-de-sac and associated the reduction of rank facilities in what is a very Manchester United Car Parks, including for busy area is a retrograde step and will cause emergency vehicles. other problems with regards to how Hackney Carriage vehicles are able to service the rank on Sir Matt Busby Way. Inadequate consultation has been held between the Council and the Taxi Trade in relation to the proposed arrangements and no alternative rank on this section of the road has been proposed to replace the hackney rank spaces lost by this proposal. 16 I totally disagree with your plans to dispose of There are a total of 4 taxi ranks in the the taxi rank at Manchester United’s ground. immediate vicinity of the ground - the Black-cab drivers are becoming more and proposal is to extend 3 of them and remove more desperate for work and taking away any the 4th one, resulting in a total of 23 spaces, a of the ranks is definitely not in their interest. net loss of 4 spaces. The proposed number I for one totally oppose it of spaces is considered suitable given the amount of cabs typically operating from the ranks.

Ward: Gorse Hill, Longford St04 (09/13)

Relationship to Policy Framework/Corporate Priorities none Financial The cost of providing the restrictions, estimated to be £1,900, is to be funded from the 2013/14 Traffic & Transportation Capital budget (scheme ref 2697). 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 2002 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 and attendees of the ground.

Other Options Not progressing the proposals would be detrimental to highway safety and would also lead to obstruction for other road users, including emergency vehicles should an incident arise during the course of an event that requires such access. We also need to remain vigilant to the potential threat of terrorist attacks at the ground; the ability to legitimately park vehicles including goods vehicles close to the ground would therefore be a concern.

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 Councilors. The consultation was also posted on-line during the consultation period.

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

Finance Officer Clearance GB (Technical Finance Manager) Legal Officer Clearance CK (Legal Services)

CORPORATE DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENT, TRANSPORTATION AND OPERATIONS (electronic)

To confirm that the Financial and Legal Implications have been considered.

Ward: Gorse Hill, Longford St04 (09/13)