The TMA Assurance Manager and the Governance and Improvement Manager, Staffordshire County Council will be in attendance.
Minutes:
The TMA Assurance Manager and the Governance and Improvement Manager from Staffordshire County Council presented to Members an overview on decriminalised car parking.
Prior to the meeting a number of questions were submitted to the Officers and a response provided at the meeting, as follows:-
Q1: How are requests for new or alterations to traffic regulations made, what is the process, prioritisation and time scale?
A1: All requests are made via Staffordshire County Council contact centre, entered onto a list and forwarded to Staffordshire County Council highway programme. There was an option to settle a parking issue via the divisional highway programme.
Q2: What is the process for introducing residents parking zones (RPZs), who is consulted and how long does this take?
A2: Early consultation with individual householders and other interested parties was essential. Subsequent consultation should take place as the scheme progresses. For a scheme to progress to detail design and implementation would be necessary for at least 60% of those consulted to respond with 85% of those in favour and prepared to pay the full annual subscription.
If a resident had more than one car and if there was sufficient road space available a limited number of second permits per household may be purchased on a first come first served basis. There were a number of policies currently in place. All permits are issued on a renewable annual basis and effective for a period of 12 months. The method of issue was at the discretion of the District/Borough Council with the approval of the Local Parking Committee.
Q3: Is there a programme to review existing traffic regulation orders, especially where there had been changes in the locality that could affect the management of the traffic?
A3: Existing traffic regulation orders were reviewed when a request has been received and prioritised.
Q4: What is your Enforcement Strategy?
A4: A number of requests were received relating to enforcement. All information could be obtained from Staffordshire County Council clear street website; clear.streets@staffordshire.gov.uk
Q5: Are you intending to follow the idea currently being trialled in Thurrock Council with regard to empowering teachers and parents to undertake parking enforcement in the vicinity of schools?
A5: The review commenced March 2015. Staffordshire County Council would review the outcome during 2016.
Q6: What are the communication routes to report parking related problems?
A6: Any requests concerning off street parking restrictions to contact clear.streets@staffordshire.gov.uk or telephone the contact centre on 0300 111 8000 and ask to speak to the TMA Assurance Manager or one of the team.
If a vehicle was parked on a dropped kerb a Penalty Charge Notice could be issued if there was a physical obstruction.
A Member raised concern that within her constituency a number of complaints had been received of parked lorries on double yellow lines, waiting to unload. The problem had been reported to the police.
The Member was advised to contact clear streets at the above email address with dates, times. Flexibility of working arrangements with the CEOs (Civil Enforcement Officers) could be accommodated if there was a trend forming.
In terms of enforcement the CEO would advise the driver in the first instance of the legalities of illegal parking. If the offence continued then a Penalty Charge Notice would be issued.
Any private hire taxis using bus lanes would be prosecuted, if observed. If offences were occurring, out of hours flexible working would be accommodated.
It was asked if it was illegal for a parked car to block a pavement?
The Highway Act informs that pavements were there for the passage of pedestrians. It has to be in context of the demand on the footway. The Police had powers to prosecute for an obstruction.
In the event of unavoidable parking by businesses that were carrying out work to properties permits and waivers could be issued. Permits were issued for 21 days. Waivers cost £15.00 for the first 15 days, followed by £5.00 subsequent days. Longer stays alternative arrangements would have to be made. A five day advance notice would be required and the business would have to apply themselves.
The Chair thanked the TMA Assurance and Governance and Improvement Manager for attending and providing an overview.