Agenda item

Forward Plan Ref: 2016/057

Contact: Owen Jenkins, Highways, Transport & Waste Services Manager Tel: (01865) 323304

Report by Interim Deputy Director for Environment & Economy – Commercial (CMDE5).

The report presents objections received in the course of a statutory consultation on a proposal to introduce a new Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) and Resident Permit Parking scheme in the Lye Valley Area of Headington in Oxford. 

The Cabinet Member for the Environment is RECOMMENDED to approve the implementation of the Lye Valley CPZ proposals as advertised and amended as set out in the report CMDE5.

The Cabinet Member for Environment considered (CMDE5) a report presenting comments received in the course of a statutory consultation on  proposals to introduce a new Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) and Resident Permit Parking scheme in the Lye Valley Area of Headington in Oxford. 

Leslie Tomkins called for designated parking spaces. A resident of Dene Road he wanted to see a secure route for through traffic to enable a safer passage for emergency vehicles and pedestrians, many of whom had to walk in the road because of random pavement parking.

Patrick Heritage questioned the need for a CPZ at all. A resident of Dene Road and a local businessman he advised that between 9 am and 5 pm Dene Road was invariably free of parked vehicles and he tabled photographs illustrating that point. He also felt that further restrictions on vehicle size were too restrictive.

Steve Dawe spoke on behalf of the Bullingdon Community Association in support of a CPZ scheme but against the minimum impact element.  Without a system of marked bays the current proposal simply would not work nor address many of the problems such as blocked driveways and parking on pavements and road humps.  Peat Moors was particularly difficult to negotiate. It was also conceivable that residents would refuse to pay for permits for a zone and system which wasn’t working and the Community Association along with other residents’ associations would continue to raise these issues.

Mr Tole advised that it was the Council’s rationale to address pressure in a particular area by using the TRO process to restrict opportunities for commuter parking by minimising competition for space. Whereas a traditional CPZ with marked bays and signs considerably altered the environment of an area the scheme proposed here because of the self-contained nature of the Lye Valley area offered a level of adequate control without being too prescriptive about where residents could park and park sensibly.  This was the first zone in the city to offer flexibility of short term parking or permit parking throughout a minimum impact zone. He was confident that removing commuters would achieve more space for residents and that contractor or visitor permits would not be compromised. Further development expected in Headington would inevitably lead to further parking pressures and it seemed sensible to be prepared for that. Officers considered this a good scheme but he suggested that a review could be undertaken after 6 months operation to gauge how the scheme was working and to make any variations if necessary. It was important to produce a scheme that worked for local people.

Responding to a question from the Cabinet Member regarding protection of driveways he advised that a review could look at that issue but in the meantime advisory white lines could be offered. However, a charge for that would need to be levied.

Also the narrow point of Dene Road near Bulan Road would need to be monitored to address potential issues of pavement parking.

Acknowledging the representations which had been made to him and the concerns raised the Cabinet Member however considered that the current situation allied with expected increased pressure from proposed further development in the area meant that doing nothing was not a realistic option. Therefore having regard to the arguments and options set out in the report and the representations made to him he confirmed his decision as follows:

(a)          approve the implementation of the Lye Valley CPZ proposals as advertised and amended as set out in the report CMDE5;

(b)          ask officers to undertake a 6 month review of the scheme and to make any adjustments that might be required following proper consultation and if necessary further approval by the Cabinet Member for Environment.

Signed……………………………….

Cabinet Member for Environment

Dated………………………………...