Agenda item

To seek Joint Committee approval to progress proposed changes to on-street parking restrictions within the borough of Runnymede.

The Runnymede Joint Committee AGREED that:

(i)            the proposed amendments to on-street parking restrictions in Runnymede as described in this report and shown in detail on drawings in annexes A - F and I (EV Bays) are approved.

(ii)           the joint committee agrees the funding approach as detailed in paragraph 5.1 of this report.

(iii)          the intention of the county council to make an order under the relevant parts of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 to impose the waiting and on street parking restrictions in Runnymede as shown on the drawings in annex A - F is advertised and that if no objections are maintained, the orders are made.

(iv)          That the Parking Strategy and Implementation Team Manager is delegated authority to adjust the positions of the on-street Electric Vehicle charging bays in consultation with the Chair, Vice-Chair and Local Member prior to statutory consultation. These locations are listed in each County Councillors division of this report, and displayed in their own set of drawings (Annex I)

(v)           That the Parking Strategy and Implementation Team manager is delegated authority in consultation with the Chair, Vice Chair and Local Members to replace the existing clearway on the A30 between the Windsor and Maidenhead boundary and the crossroads of the A30, St Judes Road and Bakeham Lane and to replace it with either ‘no waiting at any time’ restrictions or a red route clearway (which would also cover the highway verge) subject to the outcome of a statutory consultation.

(vi)          If there are unresolved objections, they will be dealt with in accordance with the county council’s scheme of delegation by the parking strategy and implementation team manager, in consultation with the chairman/ vice chairman of this committee and the appropriate county councillor.

Reasons for recommendations:

It is recommended that the waiting restrictions are implemented as detailed in Annexes A - F. They will make a positive impact towards:

·         Road safety

·         Access for emergency vehicles

·         Access for refuse vehicles

·         Easing traffic congestion

·         Better regulated parking

·         Better enforcement

This will help us achieve our 2030 Community Vision objectives

• Residents live in clean, safe, and green communities where people and organisations embrace their environmental responsibilities.
• Journeys across the county are easier, more predictable, and safer.

Declarations of Interest: None

Officers attending: David Curl, Parking Strategy and Implementation Team Manager; Peter Wells, Parking Engineer

Petitions, Public Questions, Statements: None.

Member Discussion – key points:

The chairman thanked officers for their detailed and comprehensive report.

In response to questions about how engagement with residents about proposals for new parking restrictions took place and whether greater use of social media and increased links with the Runnymede borough communications team might produce a larger response, officers explained that proposals agreed at this meeting would be put to residents for consultation using street notices and messages posted through doors, along with the statutory newspaper advertisement. The Parking Engineer explained how initial requests are prioritised taking into account how many requests are made in the same road, what will work within the highway rules etc, and then a visit to the sites on different days at different times. The relevant officers from SCC and RBC are in regular contact regarding parking restrictions and enforcement.

Using more channels for engagement, such as social media, could result in more requests and responses, but the Parking Team has finite resources with which to service the requests. A number of Members stated their satisfaction with the existing process and it was stressed that Members need to actively engage with residents and be a channel for information.

A discussion was had regarding the proposals for Electric Vehicle charging points. It was noted that installation of the points is part of a two-year trial in a number of boroughs and districts across Surrey, with the County Council providing charging opportunities on-street in addition to those being installed by private operators, to help meet future demand and allow residents access to a charging point if they do not have off-street parking at home.

The chairman stated that he would prefer the two spaces proposed on Station Road in Addlestone be relocated into either the Tesco or Waitrose car parks. Other members commented on the use of residential versus non-residential roads; officers advised that the emphasis for the sites was residential locations and streets without off-street parking.

Enforcement was highlighted as a key aspect of the successful uptake of charging points. RBC’s Corporate Head of Community Services stated that the planned appointment of two new parking enforcement officers would provide additional resource, and the SCC Parking Engineer explained that the charging bays would have associated Traffic Regulation Orders which would allow enforcement. The equipment at the bays would be able to detect a car that is parked and not charging. As the trial progresses, technology, best practice and policy will develop in line with the feedback.

Data on the usage of the bays will be provided as it becomes available.

Resolved:

The Runnymede Joint Committee AGREED that:

(i)            the proposed amendments to on-street parking restrictions in Runnymede as described in this report and shown in detail on drawings in annexes A - F and I (EV Bays) are approved.

(ii)           the joint committee agrees the funding approach as detailed in paragraph 5.1 of this report.

(iii)          the intention of the county council to make an order under the relevant parts of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 to impose the waiting and on street parking restrictions in Runnymede as shown on the drawings in annex A - F is advertised and that if no objections are maintained, the orders are made.

(iv)          That the Parking Strategy and Implementation Team Manager is delegated authority to adjust the positions of the on-street Electric Vehicle charging bays in consultation with the Chair, Vice-Chair and Local Member prior to statutory consultation. These locations are listed in each County Councillors division of this report, and displayed in their own set of drawings (Annex I)

(v)           That the Parking Strategy and Implementation Team manager is delegated authority in consultation with the Chair, Vice Chair and Local Members to replace the existing clearway on the A30 between the Windsor and Maidenhead boundary and the crossroads of the A30, St Judes Road and Bakeham Lane and to replace it with either ‘no waiting at any time’ restrictions or a red route clearway (which would also cover the highway verge) subject to the outcome of a statutory consultation.

(vi)          If there are unresolved objections, they will be dealt with in accordance with the county council’s scheme of delegation by the parking strategy and implementation team manager, in consultation with the chairman/ vice chairman of this committee and the appropriate county councillor.

Reasons for recommendations:

It is recommended that the waiting restrictions are implemented as detailed in Annexes A - F. They will make a positive impact towards:

·         Road safety

·         Access for emergency vehicles

·         Access for refuse vehicles

·         Easing traffic congestion

·         Better regulated parking

·         Better enforcement

This will help us achieve our 2030 Community Vision objectives

• Residents live in clean, safe, and green communities where people and organisations embrace their environmental responsibilities.
• Journeys across the county are easier, more predictable, and safer.