Issue - meetings

To consider feedback that has been received for the proposed introduction of new parking restrictions or changes to existing restrictions on St Margaret Drive, St Elizabeth Drive, White Horse Drive, Dudley Grove and Elm Grove in Epsom and Ewell.

That the Local Committee [Epsom & Ewell] agreed:

(i)        (By 6 votes FOR to 1 AGAINST) That the parking proposals outlined in Plan 68 of the Phase 12 Parking Review should not be implemented;

(ii)       (by 7 votes FOR to 0 AGAINST) That the parking proposals outlined in Plan 70 of the Phase 12 Parking Review should not be implemented;

Reasons:  In order not to encourage car journeys to schools in line with climate change and sustainable travel objectives. 

Declarations of Interest: Cllr Bernie Muir declared a prejudicial interest in this item as a resident of the area and left the meeting.

Officers attending: Stephen Clavey, Parking Engineer

Petitions, Public Questions/Statements: Six questions as outlined in item 6

Member discussion – key points

The Parking Engineer outlined that the parking proposals on Plans 68 and 70 were advertised from 7 November for 28 days for public comment.  Due to the wide range of views expressed it had been agreed that the matter should be determined by the full Committee rather than by officers under delegated powers. 

It was highlighted that this issue was brought to the Committee originally, as a result of the impact on Rosebank and related roads of school related traffic which was blighting the lives of residents and impacting on the safety of children going to school.  When the Committee was presented with these issues they acknowledged that no one action would solve the issue and that all parties should contribute to finding a solution and that no part of the community should be excluded from these discussions.  Both St Joseph’s and Rosebery Schools have made efforts to improve the situation by making changes to the school day and encouraging children to travel to school sustainably where possible and the congestion in Rosebank is now much reduced.  The Committee also has before it in the next item options to make further improvements to road safety in Rosebank.

It was raised that walking from Abelea Green to St Joseph’s School is a lengthy walk particularly for young children along a busy road and that the roads in the Whitehorse Drive area had been added to the consultation in order to give an alternative option which could be safer for the children.  The local Councillor has allocated all her highway funding for the current year to making improvements to the pavements in Whitehorse Drive.

Many members raised the issue of climate change and pollution and that the Committee should not be seen to be encouraging car journeys, particularly as many of the pupils travel a long distance to access the school when they already live close to excellent schools with places available.

The Committee moved to item 11 before making a formal decision on this item.

Motions were moved by the Chairman and seconded by the Vice-Chairman that the parking proposals in plan 68 and plan 70 should not be implemented.

Resolved:

(i)         (By 6 votes FOR to 1 AGAINST) That the parking proposals outlined in Plan 68 of the Phase 12 Parking Review should not be implemented;

(ii)        (by 7 votes FOR to 0 AGAINST) That the parking proposals outlined in Plan 70 of the Phase 12 Parking Review should not be implemented;

Reasons:  In order not to encourage car journeys to schools in line with climate change and sustainable travel objectives.