To consider a report of the Highways Officer.

The Township Sub-Committee received a report of the Director of Neighbourhoods that asked Members to consider a Proposed Experimental Traffic Regulation Orders in the Knoll Street Area, Castleton. The report sought approval from Members to implement the experimental scheme and to give authorisation to the Head of Highways to promote, advertise, and make the Experimental Traffic Regulation Orders necessary for one-way working, and parking amendments.

The report advised members that the Council had recently introduced Traffic Regulation Orders (TRO) associated with the Manchester Road (and adjoining streets) traffic management scheme. The Council had received concerns from residents over an increase in local traffic volumes and associated operational safety conflicts from indiscriminate parking near junctions and from contravention of the new one-way arrangement.

The Experimental TROs sought to mitigate the effects of obstructive parking and any breach of the one-way restriction through the introduction a further package of complementary TRO measures.The individual Experimental TROs necessary for one-way working and parking amendment would be subject to a formal public consultation exercise for the required period of up to six months.

Councillor Sheerin informed the Committee of concerns regarding the implementation of the existing TRO in relation to areas of Keswick Street and the inconvenience this causes residents and the knock on effect to other local streets. It was noted that the additional Experimental TRO was only temporary and any adverse effects would be monitored and reviewed before a permanent decision would be made.

The Sub-Committee expressed concerns that the Highways Officer was not in attendance at the meeting to present the report and answer questions from members. An Officer from Highways and the Assistant Director (Place) were present in relation to other agenda items but were not briefed on this specific scheme. The Chair advised that Officers not in attendance was detrimental to the ability of members to accurately fulfil their role on the committee and that it was vitally important that Officers attend to present their reports.

Ward Councillors advised that the Highways Officer had liaised with ward members and local residents in preparing the report and they were in agreement for the proposal to be approved.

Alternatives considered:

That the Proposed Experimental Traffic Regulation Orders in the Knoll Street Area, Castleton not be implemented as proposed in the report. Alternative reduced extents of one-way working and/or prohibition of waiting restriction(s) would not offer the level of operational safety and capacity sought.

Resolved:

1.    That the Proposed Experimental Traffic Regulation Orders in the Knoll Street Area, Castleton be approved and implemented as per the recommendation.

2.    That the Assistant Director (Place) advise Officers of the importance of attending committee meetings to present reports and answer questions in order to facilitate the Committee to fulfil its statutory role. 

Reasons for the decision:

The experimental (and any subsequent permanent) scheme was promoted and recommended as part of the Council’s statutory responsibility to ensure that its highways operate safely and efficiently for all road users. The proposal was complementary to the Council’s Core Strategy policy in seeking an accessible network, including a highway layout that was both sustainable and safe for all users.

Eligible for Call-in: Yes.