Agenda item

To consider the introduction of new parking restrictions or changes to existing restrictions at various sites in Epsom and Ewell.

Since the introduction of Decriminalised Parking Enforcement (DPE) in May 2005, new parking / waiting restrictions in Epsom and Ewell have been introduced in twelve phases, with the most recent being implemented during 2020.

This report details locations and general proposals for the Phase 13 parking / waiting restriction review, to be progressed in 2021 and seeks approval to carry out statutory consultation on the proposals.

The Local Committee (Epsom & Ewell) agreed:

(i) That the changes to parking restrictions and controls described in annex 1 of the report should be introduced; and to include additional restrictions in Stoneleigh Park Rd, Amberley Gardens and Cunliffe Road subject to further discussions with the divisional member.

(ii) That the committee contribute £13,000.00 funding towards the introduction of the proposals in Annex 1 of the report from the 2019/2020 parking surplus.

(iii) That the County Council’s intention to make an order under the Road Traffic Regulation act 1984 be advertised and, if no objections are maintained, the order be made;

(iv) That if objections are received, the Parking Strategy and Implementation Team Manager tries to resolve them.

(v) If there are unresolved objections, in accordance with the County Council’s scheme of delegation, the Parking Strategy and Implementation Team Manager, in consultation with the Chairman/Vice Chairman of this committee and the county councillor for the division, decides whether or not they should be acceded to and therefore whether or not the order should be made, with or without modifications.

Reasons for decision

The waiting restrictions in this report will help to:

· Improve road safety

· Increase access for emergency vehicles

· improve access to shops, facilities and businesses

· Increase access for refuse vehicles, buses and service vehicles

· Reduce traffic congestion

· Better regulate parking

Declarations of Interest: None.

Officers attending: Stephen Clavey, Parking Engineer

Petitions, Public Questions/Statements: None.

Member discussion – key points

Damage to the verge by refuse vehicles as a result of parked vehicles narrowing the road by the island in Gibraltar Crescent has been raised by Borough Council officers. The divisional member asked if it could be included in the current review with a restriction in place for the times during which refuse vehicles need access. The Parking Engineer responded that a timed restriction could not be included in this review due to the cost of installing signs but double yellow lines could be considered. On reflection members considered that this was a complex issue and it would be better to have further discussions with residents and include any proposals in the next parking review if needed.

The divisional member commented that the proposal for Cunliffe Road is for two one hour restrictions daily to make it easier for buses to pass through, but that the residents would have difficulty relocating vehicles during these times. He suggested that the current arrangements where residents park to create a chicane effect could be formalised with yellow lines to prevent these gaps being filled by non-residents. He undertook to discuss this further with residents and to agree a layout for advertisement with the parking engineer is appropriate

The divisional member asked whether it would be possible to designate one of the parking bays in the Kingston Road shopping parade for motorcycles as there is a motorcycle training business in the location. The parking engineer responded that this was not something that the parking team were keen to take forward currently.

Two further locations were raised for inclusion in the review:

Stoneleigh Park Road to extend the double yellow lines from no 25 to no 31 (stopping at no 33).

To add double yellow lines at Amberley Gardens / Thorndon Gardens subject to a site visit to determine the correct location.

On drawing 29 members suggested that this proposal would also make visibility better for vehicle drivers as well as pedestrians.

It was clarified that the loading bay in the High Street, Epsom is already in this location and will not impede traffic flow.

Resolved:

(i) That the changes to parking restrictions and controls described in annex 1 of the report should be introduced; and to include additional restrictions in Stoneleigh Park Rd, Amberley Gardens and Cunliffe Road subject to further discussions with the divisional member.