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Division(s): Oxford Cherwell, Oxford North, Wolvercote.

ITEM TIC6

TRANSPORT IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE - 4 MARCH 2003

NORTH OXFORD CONTROLLED PARKING ZONE

Report by Head of Transport

  

Introduction

  1. On 15 April 2003 the Executive resolved:

    1. not to proceed with the original proposals advertised between 11 January 2002 and 1 February 2002;

    2. to authorise the Director for Environment & Economy to publish a draft order for the current Summertown Residents’ Parking Scheme proposals as described in paragraphs 21 et seq of the report EX8 and indicated on Drawing No 721/AO/3000 Rev D;

    3. to ask officers to investigate with the local members the specific issues raised by Councillor Fooks, subject to consultation with the Executive Members for Transport and Strategic Planning & Waste Management if agreement was not reached as to whether further amendment of the proposals before public consultation was desirable;

    4. that the proposals be reviewed after a period of 18 months.

  1. This report now considers the current position.

    (Plans - download as .doc file)

    2. Review and Changes to Proposals Prior to Formal Consultation

  2. Checks on site revealed that there were errors in the detail of the scheme inherited from the Oxford City Council. The whole area was re-surveyed and locations of access ways, lamp columns and fire hydrants correctly identified.

  3. The proposals were then examined in detail, street by street to confirm that the locations of all parking bays were safe and that in overall terms the scheme complied with Section 122 of the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984.

  4. Amendments included the protection of fire hydrants within parking spaces by small sections of double yellow lines. Community Management parking proposals were removed from across all access ways and replaced with double yellow lines apart from roads to the west of Woodstock Road, where parking pressure is acute.

  5. Following consultation with local residents, some minor amendments were made in Staverton Road to improve sight lines and to include a passing place in the vicinity of No. 9 and 11. Some additional parking places were added near the Woodstock Road junction. Minor changes were also made in Rawlinson Road, near the Woodstock Road junction.

  6. One of the concerns Councillor Fooks expressed to the Executive was the location of the school coach parking bays in Charlbury Road and the possible conflict between coaches and cyclists using the cycle route along that road. Surrounding streets were considered as possible alternative coach routes and alternative sites were sought for coach parking bays. However none were found due to insufficient road width or because the new bay locations would have been environmentally unacceptable to local residents.

  7. Therefore the present main coach route via Belbroughton Road, Charlbury Road and Bardwell Road was re-examined. The lengths of the proposed coach parking bays in these roads were reduced to make them more acceptable to residents. To increase the available road width, all parking bays were removed from the western side of Charlbury Road.

  8. Some parking spaces in Belbroughton Road were removed for safety reasons near the Charlbury Road junction. To balance the loss of spaces in the north section of Charlbury Road, new shared use spaces were added to the eastern side as well as in Garford Road. In Bardwell Road, some short term bays and locations were amended and some additional parking was added.

  9. Residents in the north east comer of Charlbury Road were further informally consulted about the proposed No Waiting at Any Time restrictions. Those who replied considered the new No Waiting 10am to 4pm Mon to Fri in the 2 southern cul-de-sacs more acceptable. The spaces outside No 36 Charlbury Road were removed on safety grounds. The designation of the space outside No 24 Northmoor Road was amended to shared use.

  10. Just prior to the formal consultation process, further informal consultation was held with resident groups from Bainton Road, Frenchay Road, Hayfield Road and Chalfont Road. This was in order to address concerns about insufficient on-street parking and the balance between permit holder and short term spaces.

  11. In order to maximise parking in these streets, Community Management parking was explained to the residents groups. Group members then consulted residents in each street and the majority saw that this measure had some advantages. The balance, location and extent of permit holder and shared use parking in all these streets was therefore amended to more accurately reflect residents' wishes and to take into consideration safety concerns.

  12. The Conference Permit Parking Scheme was reassessed to make it more acceptable to local residents and to enable the use of the scheme to be monitored. The Linton Lodge Hotel will be required to record the issue of permits by date, conference room number, delegate employer, vehicle registration number, and the number of delegates carried by that vehicle. The hotel can issue no more than 40 such permits to be valid at any one time.

  13. In order to make the Business Permit Scheme more user friendly to commercial organisations it was decided to make such permits business specific rather than vehicle specific. Businesses would still need to demonstrate operational need but for business organisations (except for schools and colleges) in the zone who could only apply for a maximum of 2 permits, this would provide them with a little more flexibility.

  14. The Business Permit Scheme for Schools and Colleges was revised. The original scheme entitled schools and colleges in the zone up to a maximum of 20 permits in the first year, 10 for the second, 5 for the third and 2 for the fourth. It was decided that as an interim measure the number of permits for schools and colleges should remain at 20, but less any off-street parking each organisation may have. Again such permits would only be granted on the basis of operational need.

  15. However it is recognised that both alternatives for the Business Permit Scheme for Schools and Colleges are a rather blunt instrument and therefore this issue may need re-visiting during the scheme review in 18 months time. It is recommended that that a Travel Plans Officer communicates with each establishment in the meantime to more accurately assess their needs which will form the basis of any future amendment to the Traffic Regulation Order.

  16. With the agreement of local councillors Dermot Roaf and Jean Fooks to these changes, the Draft Traffic Regulation Order was then prepared and sent out for formal consultation.

    17. Formal Consultation Process - 7 November 2003 to 5 December 2003

  17. A total of 1065 consultation packs were sent out, one to every resident and organisation within the zone. An example of this is available in the Members’ Resource Centre (Document C). A further 50 packs were sent to formal consultees. Each consultee was sent a copy of the Draft Order, Notice and Statement of Reasons and a copy of Plan No 721/AO/1001 showing the zone (Document C)

  18. Packs were also provided for public inspection at St Andrews Church Hall, Summertown Public Library, Central Library, County Hall and Speedwell House. Street notices were placed in every road within the zone for the duration of the consultation period. The notice was also advertised in the Oxford Times on Friday 7 November 2003.

  19. The scheme provided 393 permit holder only spaces and 516 short term spaces, a total of 909 spaces. Permit holders will be able to use 272 of these short term spaces without time restriction. This provides permit holders with a capacity of 665 on-street parking places when compared with the estimated on-street demand of 490.

  20. The formal consultation process resulted in 173 responses. All the returned questionnaires and accompanying letters are available in the Members’ Resource Centre (Document B) along with a synopsis of each comment or objection together with the Head of Transport’s response and recommendations (Document A). This also includes a complete list of respondents and Pye charts showing the level of support for the proposals in each road. Both are available in the Members’ Resource Centre

  21. For the scheme as a whole, 39 (4%) residents were satisfied with the proposals without comment, 75 (7%) residents were satisfied with the proposals but made comments and 59 (6%) were not satisfied with the proposals and made objections. The remaining 892 (84%) did not reply. The overall conclusion from this is that the scheme seems to have been favourably received but there are areas of local concern.

    22. Recommended Changes to the Formal Consultation Proposals.

  22. Many residents in Cunliffe Close objected to the proposals due to the lack of insufficient parking provision. Whilst it is true that that the proposals may provide slightly less on-street parking, there are additional spaces available on private roads leading to the garage blocks. Residents also have the use of their own 20 off street parking places and there are 75 garages available some of which are not used. There is no scope for safely increasing the amount of parking in the Close so therefore no change is recommended to the current proposals.

  23. Similar comments were received from Bainton Road and Frenchay Road where again residents felt that there was insufficient parking. The road is too narrow to allow parking on both sides. Residents were informally consulted immediately before the informal consultation process and by using Community Management additional Permit Holder Only spaces were added. Again there is no scope for safely increasing parking and no change is recommended.

  24. In Bardwell Road, a mixture of comments was received. The Dragon School wanted more three hour parking while some residents wanted more Permit Holder Only parking. In response to Dragon School it is recommended that the restrictions next to the playing field be changed to 3 hour parking only and to assist residents with more permit holder space it is recommended that the restrictions outside Bardwell Court be changed to 3 hour 'shared use' parking. The recommended change of short term parking to 'shared use' at the bottom of Northmoor Road will assist in the need for more permit parking in the area.

  25. Hayfield Road residents have mixed views about the layout. Residents were informally consulted immediately before the formal consultation process. Residents who have passing places outside their properties would like them removed. However this is not recommended on safety and congestion grounds. It is recommended that the proposals outside No 64 be changed to Permit Holder Only.

  26. The main objectors in Linton Road were the Linton Lodge Hotel, St Andrews Church and the Bishop of Oxford. Originally all the spaces between Northmoor Road and Charlbury Road were designated as 3 hour 'shared use' except outside the church which was designated as 3 hour parking only. However, as a result of much local concern by local residents who felt that all these spaces would be used exclusively by the patrons of the hotel, these spaces were re-designated as permit holder only in the advertised proposals.

  27. After consideration of all the objections received and following discussions with St Andrews Church representatives, it is recommended that the space outside the church revert back to 3 hour parking only. This would serve both the church and visitors to the hotel. The remaining permit holder only parking would provide room for local residents as well as overspill car parking for hotel guests. There is plentiful 3 hour only parking for casual hotel visitors and guests in Northmoor Road and the eastern end of Linton Road.

  28. The Bishop of Oxford objected to the lack of parking outside his property. This was the only section along Linton Road where there was no parking provision. On site discussions were held with the Bishop and it is recommended that an 18 metre section of proposed double yellow line outside No 27 Linton Road be changed to 3 hour shared use parking. It is also recommended that the 3 hour parking only between Nos. 27 and 31 be changed to 3 hour shared use.

  29. Residents at the southern end of Northmoor Road objected to the lack of permit holder only parking in that section of road. Some of the properties concerned are flats or shared houses and there is little off-street parking available. In order to create additional permit parking it is recommended that the restrictions outside No. 2 be changed to permit parking only and outside Nos.1 and 3, south of No 1 to the Bardwell junction approach and south of No 2 to the Bardwell junction approach all changed to 2 hour shared use parking.

  30. The resident outside No 20 Northmoor Road objects to the 3 hour parking only outside the property and would like permit holder parking but also with the added facility of short term parking. It is recommended that this space be changed to 2 hour 'shared use' parking. The residents of Nos. 26 and 28 have objected to the lack of permit holder parking. It is recommended that these spaces be changed to 2 hour 'shared use' parking.

  31. Both Wolfson College and Ephraim College have objected by not being part of the School and Colleges Business Permit Scheme. Wolfson College has also objected to being unable to gain permits for its 240 residents. The College is immediately adjacent but outside the proposed zone and therefore would not qualify for resident permits. It has off-street parking facilities but its only means of access is via Linton Road. It is recommended that concerns raised by both colleges be dealt with at the 18 month review stage following contact by the Council’s Travel Plans Officer. Inclusion of these colleges within Schedule 4 Part B would constitute a substantial change to the Traffic Regulation Order.

  32. All the recommendations were consulted upon with the legal representative from Buckinghamshire County Council. Officers are satisfied that the recommended changes either in whole or in part constitute minor amendments. The total number of spaces which would change their designation if approved would be 69. Based on the total number of spaces in the zone of 909, this represents a total change of 7.6%

    33. Environmental Implications

  33. This scheme will make a direct contribution in reducing traffic congestion within the vicinity of North Oxford. Many commuters are expected to change their parking patterns and mode of travel from car to the Water Eaton Park and Ride, and in some cases change their travel mode altogether.

  34. The most obvious benefit will be the reduction in parking congestion in the zone which should improve the quality of life for residents. Road safety should be improved which will benefit children attending the many schools in the area. There would also be a reduction in vehicle emissions and the scheme would contribute towards the County Council’s policy on sustainability

  35. There would be some environmental impact in residential streets due to the necessary signing that would have to be erected. Road markings would also have to be laid to define parking areas and the extent of waiting restrictions. The recent changes in the new Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002 Act mean that No Waiting at Any Time road marking no longer requires supplementary signing to be enforceable.

    36. Financial and Staff Implications

  36. The estimated cost of the scheme is £90,000 which is included in the Capital Programme. Funding and operation of the scheme would be funded from within the on-street parking account.

  37. Business parking permits would generate an estimated income in the region of £10,000 pa based on previous experience in other zones. Income from enforcement of Penalty Charge Notices is estimated to be around £73,000 pa. After allowing for expenditure on additional Control Plus staff required for enforcement, the net cost to the parking account is estimated to be about £24,000 pa. The increased use by commuters of the Water Eaton Park and Ride is estimated to generate an additional income of £55,000 pa to credit against the operating cost of the car park.

    38. RECOMMENDATIONS

  38. The Committee is RECOMMENDED to:

          1. approve the overall scheme shown on Plan No 721/AO/1001 Rev B, to be displayed at the meeting, but with the following amendments (shown on the attached plans):

            1. Bardwell Road : Change the two restrictions outside Bardwell Court and No 21 Bardwell Road from 3 Hour Parking 8am to 4pm Mon to Sat to 3 Hour Parking 8am to 4pm Mon to Sat, Permit Holders Exempt from Time Limit. (Plan No 721/A3/1010 A.);

            2. Bardwell Road : Change the restriction at the eastern end of Bardwell Road adjacent to the Dragon School Playing Fields from 2 Hour Parking, 8am to 4pm Mon to Sat, Permit Holders Exempt from Time Limit to 3 Hour Parking 8am to 4pm Mon to Sat. (Plan No 721/A3/1010 A.);

            3. Hayfield Road : Change the restriction outside No 64 Hayfield Road from 2 Hour Parking, 8am to 4pm Mon to Sat, Permit Holders Exempt from Time Limit to Permit Holders Only Parking 8am to 6.30pm Mon to Sat. (Plan No 721/A3/1004 A.);

            4. Linton Road : Change the restriction adjacent to the northern frontage of St Andrews Church from Permit Holders Only Parking 8am to 4pm Mon to Sat to 3 Hour Parking 8am to 4pm Mon to Sat. (Plan No 721/A3/1010 A.);

            5. Linton Road: Change the restriction outside No 16 Linton Road from 3 Hour Parking 8am to 4pm Mon to Sat, Permit Holders Exempt from Time Limit to 3 Hour Parking 8am to 4pm Mon to Sat. (Plan No 721/A3/1010 A.);

            6. Linton Road : Change the restriction outside No 27 Linton Road between the two access ways over an 18 metre length from No Waiting at Any Time to 3 Hour Parking 8am to 4pm Mon to Sat, Permit Holders Exempt from Time Limit (Plan No 721/A3/1010 A.);

            7. Linton Road : Change the restriction between the two access ways outside Nos. 27 and 31 from 3 Hour Parking 8am to 4pm Mon to Sat to 3 Hour Parking 8am to 4pm Mon to Sat, Permit Holders Exempt from Time Limit. (Plan No 721/A3/1010 A.);

            8. Northmoor Road: Change the restriction outside No 2 from 2 Hour Parking 8am to 4pm Mon to Sat, Permit Holders Exempt from Time Limit to Permit Holders Only Parking 8am to 6.30pm Mon to Sat. (See Plan No 721/A3/1011 A.);

            9. Northmoor Road: Change the restriction outside Nos.1 and 3 from 2 Hour Parking, 8am to 4pm Mon to Sat to 2 Hour Parking 8am to 4pm Mon to Sat, Permit Holders Exempt from Time Limit. (See Plan No 721/A3/1011 A.);

            10. Northmoor Road : Change the restriction south of the access to the Cottage southwards towards Bardwell Road junction from 2 Hour Parking 8am to 4pm Mon to Sat to 2 Hour Parking 8am to 4pm Mon to Sat, Permit Holders Exempt from Time Limit. (See Plan No 721/A3/1011 A.);

            11. Northmoor Road southwards towards Bardwell Road junction from 2 Hour Parking 8am to 4pm Mon to Sat to 2 Hour Parking 8am to 4pm Mon to Sat, Permit Holders Exempt from Time Limit. (See Plan No 721/A3/1011 A.);

            12. Northmoor Road : Change the restriction outside No 20 Northmoor Road from 3 Hour Parking 8am to 4pm Mon to Sat to 2 Hour Parking 8am to 4pm Mon to Sat, Permit Holders Exempt from Time Limit. (See Plan No 721/A3/1009 Rev A.);

            13. Northmoor Road: Change the restriction outside Nos. 26 and 28 (shown as No 30 on plan) from 2 Hour Parking 8am to 4pm Mon to Sat to 2 Hour Parking 8am to 4pm Mon to Sat, Permit Holders Exempt from Time Limit. (Plan No 721/A3/1009 A.);

            14. Schedule 4, Part D - Premises That Are Used and Adapted for Use by a Resident. Add to the premises list:

            St Clare's College, 139 Banbury Road, Oxford, OX27AL

            Ephraim College, 145 Banbury Road, Oxford, OX2 7AN;

          2. authorise the Head of Transport to contact with all schools and colleges in the area in order to identify their actual Business Permit requirements within the zone and determine the detail of any future Traffic Regulation Order changes.

DAVID McKIBBIN
Head of Transport

Background Papers: Documents A, B and C.

Contact Officer: Richard Kingshott Tel 01865 815716, Victoria Bond Tel 01865 815724

February 2004

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