Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies.

Resolved:     That Councillor Cairns be appointed as Chair of this Committee.

Held on 18 March, to be signed as a correct record.

Resolved:     That the minutes of the meeting held on 18 March 2013 be approved as a correct record and signed by the chairman.

There were no declarations of interest.

A report was submitted detailing the outcome of an informal review of proposed parking restrictions on Parkstone Avenue and seeking confirmation from members to proceed to the formal stage of consultations.

45 informal consultations were sent out on a proposal to place waiting restrictions on one side of the highway at all times and to provide parking bays with a restricted time limit on the other side, allowing vehicles to park for short periods. These measures are designed to prevent the all day parking. 26 responses had been received in favour of the proposals and 5 against.

Resolved:     That the informal consultation be supported at the formal stage and advertised on site and in the local press.

A document was circulated at the Committee setting out new requests in respect of traffic regulations from Staffordshire County Council and these would be added to the list.

(a)               Garnett Road West, Porthill

(b)               Etruria Way,Basford

(c)               West Brampton, Newcastle

(d)               Corporation Street, Newcastle

(e)               Thistleberry Avenue,Thistleberry

(f)                 Occupation Street, Newcastle

Resolved:     That the position be noted.

A report was submitted concerning the current position following approval of the scheme and invitation to apply for permits in respect of a proposed residents parking zone in the South East of the Town Centre.

 Following the invitation to apply for Permits further opposition to the scheme had been received including petitions from the residents of Hanover Street and from Vessey Terrace.

A petition from the residents of Garden Street and Well Street opposing the scheme and a letter in support from a resident of Well Street  were circulated at the meeting.

 The main issues raised together with the response from the officers were set out in the report.

Members noted that:-

• The current proposals would replace the existing ‘free Permit’ scheme with a paid for scheme and extend it to include other roads where residents are experiencing difficulties in parking close to their home.
• Due process had been followed including consultation with residents and the advertisement of the Traffic Regulation Order.
• Representations received in response to the consultations and advertisement of the Traffic Regulation Order had been considered by the County Council and the Joint Parking Committee.
• A pricing and Permit structure had been agreed with the Joint Parking Committee.
• It is not considered appropriate for a two tier system of scheme (some free with some paid for) to be implemented and that the current free scheme is unsustainable.
• The proposed level of charges does not seek to make a profit for either authority.  Future Permit charges cannot be guaranteed but changes are subject to Joint Parking Committee approval.

Members were also asked to confirm that the Dunkirk area, which had previously been approved, would be the next area to be considered for a Residents Parking Zone.

Resolved:           (1) That approval be given to the implementation of the proposed Residents Parking Scheme as previously discussed and approval given to the proposed amendments to the Visitor Permits as set out in the report.

                              (2) That residents be advised of the deliberations of this committee and the implications of the decision taken.

                              (3) That the Dunkirk area of the Borough be confirmed as the next scheme to be considered for the introduction of a Residents Permit Parking Scheme

(4) That a review of the visitor permits in the South East Residents parking zone be carried out after 12 months of operation.

A report was submitted which informed members of the progress of a review of parking enforcement in Staffordshire.

Resolved:     That the report be noted.

There were no items of urgent business.