Issue - meetings

Forward Plan Ref: 2013/015

Contact: Jim Daughton, Highways & Transport Service Manager Tel: (01865) 815083

Report by Deputy Director for Environment & Economy – Commercial & Delivery (CMDDL4).

The Deputy Leader of the Council considered proposals to introduce new parking restrictions in the Cutteslowe and Five Mile Drive areas of north Oxford in the light of objections received to a public consultation.

Hossein Moghaddan was a resident of Linkside Avenue. Roads in this area were already congested and staff from the BMW garage frequently parked in this area blocking the entrance and exit to Linkside Avenue and sight lines.  If the scheme went ahead it would exacerbate this situation and as a council tax payer he expected to enjoy freedom to move in and out of the area unhindered by parked cars. He supported that element of the scheme which would allow resident parking with permits available.

Debbie Spencer had submitted a petition on behalf of residents of Pennywell Drive who supported provision for permit holders but who felt that 10 am to 4 pm was insufficient.  The area was busy in the evenings and if paying for permits then residents felt these should be available for a longer period. Not all residents had driveways but those that did quite often found them blocked and she requested extra long white lines to protect accesses.

Don Manley resided in Harbord Road and considered that a 2 hour maximum period for non-permit holders would cause problems. Supporting the original proposals as set out in the Director for Environment & Economy’s letter of 5 February he felt the amended proposals were draconian and should be abandoned and the original 1 hour scheme taken forward.

Mark Golding speaking on behalf of the Summertown Stars AFC a voluntary club run by parents was aware that his views would be unpopular with residents but with up to 12 teams attending at the Park at weekends with a 100 or so cars it was inevitable that they would contribute to parking problems in the area.  This was largely unavoidable because the Cutteslowe Park car park itself could only accommodate 80 vehicles and it was unavoidable that some cars would park in adjoining streets.  For their members it was impractical to limit parking on Harbord Road to 2 hours and it was inevitable that cars would cruise to find alternative space. The club also felt that advice given in the report was unlawful due to the improper consultation undertaken on Annex 4.  This was not a practical solution.

Huw Edmunds resided near Cutteslowe Park and currently had no real issue with parking but that could change if the scheme was introduced.  He advised that none of the residents in Bourne Close were in favour of the proposals.

Councillor Fooks referred to problems at Cutteslowe Park car park which had not been helped by parking charges.  Tthe limited parking available created problems for users at the park and consequently for residents in adjoining streets.  The west side of the area experienced considerable problems during the week from commuter parking and safeguards such as a 1 hour time limit period would need to be put in place to protect  ...  view the full minutes text for item 20