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Division(s): Oxford West, Oxford North, Oxford Central

ITEM TIC7

TRANSPORT IMPLEMENTATION COMMITTEE – 4 MARCH 2004

OXFORD CENTRAL AREA – VARIATIONS TO WAITING, PARKING, TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND PARKING PLACES FOR PEDAL CYCLES ORDERS

Report by Head of Transport

Introduction

  1. This report considers the comments received to the formal consultation on the changes to Traffic Regulations Orders (TRO’s) relating to the Central Area of Oxford. Annex 1 sets out the variations that have been advertised.

    2. Background

  2. Since the introduction in June 1999 of the existing traffic system in the central area of Oxford a number of variations have been made to the original TRO’s to improve the overall movement of traffic and provision for traders. The changes proposed in this report seek to:

    1. improve the bus priority route in George Street, Magdalen Street East and the lower end of St Giles by the prohibition of turning movements and the introduction of additional loading restrictions;

    2. improve safety at Botley Road (under the railway bridge) Longwall Street/High Street and Banbury Road/Keble Road by prohibiting overtaking or turning movements;

    3. add/remove disabled parking spaces to cater for identified need or to improve safety;

    4. introduce ‘pay and display’ parking in the central area of Broad Street with an extension of the duration of stay;

    5. change the point at which traffic is prohibited in Jowett Walk as part of an environmental improvement;

    6. extend the pedestrianised section of New Inn Hall Street to improve safety; and

    7. provide additional cycle parking.

    Consultation

  3. Items 1 a) to 1 (d), 2 (a) and 2 (b) and 3 (a) to 3 (g) in Annex 1 were advertised between 28 November and 19 December 2003. Items 3 (h) and 3 (i) and 4 (a) were advertised between 23 January and 13 February 2004.

  4. As no comments were received to consultation on items 1 (a) to 1 (d) and 3 (a) to 3 (g) authorisation, under delegated powers, has been given to the Director for Environment & Economy to proceed with the implementation of these variations.

  5. Comments were received on item 2 (b) and these are set out at Annex 2 (download as .rtf file), together with officer comments. On items 3 (h) and 3 (i) and 4 (a) no comments had been received at the time of completing this report. Due to the advertising dates, any subsequent comments received will be reported orally at the meeting.

  6. No comments have been received on item 2 (a),Annex 1. However, this could not be authorised for implementation under delegated powers as the changes are linked to the proposed ‘pay and display’ parking in Broad Street.

  7. Of the 16 respondents to the proposed ‘pay and display’ parking in Broad Street (item 2 b), Annex 1), 11 gave outright support, 2 qualified support and 3 objected. The objections are to the introduction of a charge for parking during the day and/or charging for parking from 6.30pm to 10.00pm.

    8. Officer Comments

  8. The existing parking provision of 30 minute limited waiting, in the bays located in the centre of Broad Street, was introduced in 2002. ‘Pay and display’ parking existed in the area prior to June 1999 but was removed as part of the OTS Central Area measures. The reintroduction of parking in this area has not had a detrimental effect on the street and on 13 December 2002 the Executive resolved to promote an Order to introduce ‘pay and display’ parking.

  9. Apart from the limited waiting currently in Broad Street all short term parking within the immediate vicinity of the main shopping area is ‘pay and display’. The free limited waiting areas within the Central Area are located at its extreme edges (eg near the Railway Station and Little Clarendon Street). I consider that if the duration of stay were to be increased in Broad Street it would be consistent to levy a charge, as we do in St Giles and Mansfield Road.

    10. Other Issues

  10. The occupier of the White Horse Public House has raised the difficulties he will face if the current parking in Broad Street is changed. At present he is able to park his vehicle in Broad Street without charge after 6.30pm. The introduction of the ‘pay and display’ charges will remove this without the provision of an alternative. There is an outstanding commitment to review whether or not it is feasible to extend the provision of business permits within the Central Area. As business permits are only issued within areas in which residents parking is provided it follows that this review would have to address the issue of residents parking throughout the Central Area.

  11. This review is being proposed for 2004/05 but it is unlikely that any changes will be implemented until 2005/06. It is recommended that, until the outcome of the review is known, the occupier of the White Horse Public House be provided dispensation to park in the Mansfield Road area resident bays. Such dispensation only being provided as a result of comments received from the consultation process.

    12. Financial and Staff Implications

  12. Implementation of these measures can be met from existing budget allocations. There are no staffing implications.

    13. RECOMMENDATIONS

  13. The Committee is RECOMMENDED to authorise officers to:

          1. implement the ‘pay and display’ parking in the central section of Broad Street;

          2. implement the minor amendments to the ‘pay and display’ order (item 2 (a), Annex 1);

          3. implement items 3 (h) and 3 (i) and 4 (a), as set out in Annex 1 to this report, subject to consideration of any comments received and reported at the meeting; and

          4. grant a dispensation to the occupier of the White Horse to park in the Mansfield Road area resident bays.

DAVID McKIBBIN
HEAD OF TRANSPORT

Background papers:

Contact Officer: John Cramer Tel: Oxford 815963

February 2004


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