Issue - meetings

Forward Plan Ref: 2009/223

Contact: Joy White, Senior Transport Planner (01865 815882)

10:05am

Report by Head of Transport (TDC4)

The Cabinet Member considered the results of a statutory consultation process on draft traffic regulation orders for the revised Magdalen Road area controlled parking zone.

Dennis Pratley referred to overwhelming opposition to this scheme which he considered an injustice to all concerned.  The County Council had recognised in its own report that the proposals were controversial and he warned that there would be difficulties for residents and local businesses, which would suffer in already difficult times. 

Barry Allday felt that the proposals if agreed would affect the fine balance of the area.  The recession meant that local businesses were under increased pressure and his business employed 8 people.  He referred to the injustice of the permit system and charging regime and appealed to the County Council to maintain a positive view and support the community spirit in the area.

Nicholas Fell challenged the legality of the process and the CPZ itself.  He considered the County Council had not followed best practice or correct procedures on consultation.

Sylvia Barker felt the scheme was bureaucratic and simply a measure to raise funds and a blight on the local environment.  The permit system gave an unfair advantage to multi-occupancy homes.

Tim Jones supported the proposals.  He accepted that the CPZ was not perfect but felt that it would generally benefit local residents.  The area could not cope with current levels of vehicles and therefore retention of the status quo was not a realistic option. Partial introduction could lead to problems of displaced traffic.

Paul Pemberton opposed the scheme. Highlighting the inadequacy of proposals for visitor permits he suggested that it could force some people in multi occupancy residences to leave the area.  The County Council needed to be more flexible in its approach but should in the meantime and in view of the high level of opposition to the scheme withdraw the current proposals.

Dominic Woodfield questioned the legality of the proposals and referred to the high levels of opposition.  He considered that a CPZ would not in reality change the current situation and only provided an opportunity to raise funds.  The County Council should have consulted residents first and designed a scheme based on their responses.

Paul Dummett supported the scheme but had some concerns if it was intended to operate 24 hours a day 7 days a week and that if that was the case then it could be detrimental to those residents it was intended to help and businesses at weekends, when commuter parking was less of a problem. He suggested a limited scheme to prevent commuter and student parking.

Anthony Cheke felt that problems had increased recently because of significant student occupation and other influences.  Because of that Hurst Street residents supported the proposed CPZ. He congratulated the County Council on its consultation but felt that 50 permits per annum would be too restrictive and that charges for small businesses were punitive.  However, opponents to the scheme had offered no alternative and quotes of “61% opposed to the scheme”  ...  view the full minutes text for item 1