Agenda item

Forward Plan Ref: 2016/094

Contact: David Tole, Safety & Area Steward Manager Tel: (01865) 815942

Report by Director for Infrastructure Delivery (CMDE5).

The report presents objections and other comments received in the course of a statutory consultation on proposals to introduce new and amend existing waiting restrictions in various streets in Bicester in order to address concerns raised by local members and at the Bicester Traffic Advisory Committee over the obstruction of traffic and road safety as a result of on-street waiting at a number of locations within the town.

The Cabinet Member for Environment is RECOMMENDED to approvethe implementation of the proposals as advertised and described in the report CMDE5.

The report (CMDE5) presented objections and other comments received in the course of a statutory consultation on proposals to introduce new and amend existing waiting restrictions in various streets in Bicester in order to address concerns raised by local members and at the Bicester Traffic Advisory Committee over the obstruction of traffic and road safety as a result of on-street waiting at a number of locations within the town.

Prior to her consideration of this item she was addressed by local members County Cllr Les Sibley and County Cllr Lawrie Stratford, respectively.

Cllr Sibley declared himself to be broadly in support of and welcomed the proposals but with a few reservations. He requested that Officers consider providing a ‘Keep Clear’ advisory marking in the vicinity of Stoneberg Crescent, as bus drivers found it very difficult to egress onto Bucknell Road. Moreover, he welcomed the monitoring of the proposals to assess their impact and any need to make modifications or take additional measures, as stated in paragraph 10 of the report, asking what the timescale would be for this.

Cllr Stratford gave some background to the proposals highlighting the fact that local members had worked had worked together with officers and had spent a great deal of time with residents prior to and during the consultation. A healthy response had been received to the consultation and, as a result, the proposals had been reviewed, adjusted and re-consulted upon. Nevertheless it was his view that they should be monitored closely and that there should be a review in 6 months, although he was minded for this to be stretched to 12 months. He recognised in particular the concerns expressed by residents of Bucknell Road and Field Street, appreciating their concerns and the need to monitor. He concluded by congratulating the Officers on their work.

The Cabinet Member also noted the following comments sent by local member, County Cllr Michael Waine who was unable to attend:

‘I am very happy to support all the proposals, particularly those in my division, but would ask that support be readily given to residents in Bernwood Road by giving practical advice where dropped curbs are necessary to access potential parking on owners property, especially those whose access would be through a ‘parking lay-by’

The Cabinet Member heard that there had also been a late submission from a resident (reported orally by David Tole) of Brashfield Road regarding proposals that had yet to be reported to CMD9E. She noted that any objections arising from this would come to a future meeting and residents would be given the opportunity to speak.

The Cabinet Member now considered the report CMDE5 and the representations made as stated above. Therefore, having regard to the arguments and options set out in the report before her she confirmed her decision as follows:

to approve the implementation of the proposals as advertised and described in the report CMDE5, on the understanding that there would be a review of the scheme in the next 6 – 12 months.

Signed……………………………………………..

Cabinet Member for Environment (including Transport

Date of signing……………………………………..