Jeff Miller, Service Director, Regeneration, Highways & Transportation, will give a presentation on the work of the Council’s Highways Team, and how they can address issues in the ward.This will include an introduction to the proposed residents’ parking scheme in the Saffron Lane/Aylestone area.
Minutes:
Jeff Miller, Service Director, Regeneration, Highways and Transportation, gave a presentation on highways issues in the City and the Freemen Ward.
He had identified what had been highlighted as main issues at previous community meetings. These included parking provision and obstruction, speeding and road safety, public transport, and condition of roads and footways. He explained how the work of the team fitted into main Council strategies and gave an indication of the extent of the work they were responsible for, including roads, footways, lights, traffic lights, highway trees and car parks.
Jeff explained how the team could help with the priorities identified. Parking could be dealt with by a possible parking scheme, verge hardening, laybys, enforcement and highway design. Ways of tackling speeding and safety included speed surveys, vehicle activated signs, safety cameras, traffic calming, pedestrian crossings and lower speed limits. It was noted that Leicester was the first city to roll out 20mph speed limits on residential roads. Making public transport more appealing and accessible was a priority; options included a new bus terminal, and looking into a tram service. Other measures were linking traffic signals, junction improvements, partnerships with bus companies, concessionary fares, Star Trak and park and ride.
Jeff stated that roads and footways in the city had been assessed as in fair condition. Work was ongoing to improve them. Highway inspections were being done, and the Council had introduced a rapid response team to deal with any dangers that were reported. There was also the Council’s winter service which gritted the roads. He reported that the frosts this winter had led to an increase in pot holes across the country. The Council would deal with any that were classed as a danger.
It was noted that a petition was received from residents in Rutland Avenue. Jeff said that he would take this back to the Council and put it through the appropriate channels.
The meeting discussed a potential parking scheme, asking when residents would be balloted and for details about the cost, issues about visitors and multiple car ownership. Jeff replied that a detailed plan would be drawn up and shown in a public meeting before balloting. The scheme would have to be approved by a majority vote to go ahead. The scheme could be tailored to the needs of the area, as every scheme was different. A permit would cost £25 a year. This covered the running cost only, and was not profit-making. Councillor Shelton said that the proposed scheme centred on the Aylestone side, rather than Saffron. He asked that once letters were sent out, that a public meeting be held at Aylestone Leisure Centre.
The following questions were raised by residents and answered by Jeff or Councillor Shelton:
1) Can we have a crossing at the top of Wigston Lane by the school?
Jeff replied that if residents present a petition it would be assessed and the Traffic Impact Team would look at whether it was suitable. The Council had a legal obligation to reduce traffic accidents, although they had the second safest roads in the country.
2) Why is the gate always locked on the footpath by the Linwood Centre on to Meadow Gardens? The vandalism only happens at night.
Councillor Shelton said they were aware of the situation and were looking into it.
3) How are traffic wardens deployed? We’ve not seen one in this area?
Jeff replied that Vinci Parking were contracted to this. They were asked to enforce mainly on main radial routes, such as Saffron Lane. He asked residents to let him know of any specific problem areas so that they could be blitzed.