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ITEM TIC8

TRANSPORT IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE -
29 MAY 2003

PROPOSED WAITING RESTRICTIONS IN WESTBURY CRESCENT OXFORD

Report by the Assistant Director (Highway Management)

 

Introduction

  1. This report considers the comments received during a formal consultation on a proposal to introduce 24 hours waiting restrictions on one side on a short length of Westbury Crescent, Oxford. This length of road has no residential or other properties fronting onto it and provides access to the more extensive residential sections of the road.

    2. Background

  2. The eastern end of Westbury Crescent has for some time been used for parking by the employees of Humphris Oxford Ltd (Nissan Dealership), who are located on A4158 Rose Hill opposite Westbury Crescent. There is also a likelihood that a degree of commuter parking exists.

  3. The effect of this parking, which occurs along both sides of Westbury Crescent, is that vehicles meeting head to head then have to reverse and often results in cars backing out onto Rose Hill into the path of oncoming vehicles.

  4. Only light parking was seen during an evening visit to the site and the daytime problems do not occur.

  5. The request for restrictions was submitted by the local City Councillor, in response to residents’ complaints about the obstructive parking and following a site meeting.

    6. Consultation

  6. The Public Notice of the Draft Order was advertised in the Oxford Mail on 17 January 2003 with street notices erected at strategic points within the proposal area. The details of the proposal are shown on Drawing No PB/Westbury/01 (Annex 2) (download as .doc file).

  7. During the consultation period, two letters of objection were received plus one of an uncertain nature. A schedule of the responses is shown at Annex 1 (download as .doc file).

  8. Thames Valley Police Traffic Management Unit have indicated that they have no objection to the proposal.

    9. Environmental Implications

  9. The implementation of restrictions in Westbury Crescent will prevent the necessity for vehicles to reverse back onto Rose Hill, and consequently reduce the potential for accidents. Additionally, the passage of emergency service vehicles and the refuse collection lorry will significantly improve.

    10. Financial Implications

  10. The introduction of these waiting restrictions will, if approved, cost approximately £2,000 funded from the Environmental Services Local Safety Scheme budget.

    11. Conclusions

  11. Although there are concerns about a possible increase in speed along this length of Westbury Crescent it is a short length of road with junctions at each end of it and excessive speed is unlikely. There is a probability that displaced vehicles will re-locate into the residential part of Westbury Crescent. However, in my view these possible effects are out weighed by the benefits of potential accident reduction at the junction with Rose Hill and the removal of obstructive parking which inconveniences local residents.

    12. RECOMMENDATIONS

  12. The Committee are RECOMMENDED to proceed with the making of the Order, as advertised.

RICHARD DIX
Assistant Director (Highway Management)

Background papers: None

Contact Officer: Peter Brice Tel: 01869 241144

May 2003

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