Agenda item

HIGHWAYS UPDATE

A Highways officer will be in attendance at the meeting to give an update of highways matters.

Minutes:

Ed Kocik (Traffic Operations Team Leader) and Jolanta Obszynska (Traffic Development Officer) were present to provide an update on highways related issues in the ward and the following points were highlighted:

 

·       Traffic surveys were conducted in October 2022 around London Road, including Stanley Road, Elmfield Avenue, Ashfield Road, Holmfield Road, St Johns Road and Albert Road. Surveys were conducted during traffic neutral, with the surveys conducted across a range of times throughout the day.
Early indication of the results showed distinctive impact by commuter parking in the area with around 5 free parking spaces available at the time of the surveys. The result of the surveys were being analysed and would be discussed with ward councillors.

·       A second round of surveys had been conducted in January 2023 for Dore, Normanton, Baslow and Ashover Roads. Surveys were conducted during traffic neutral, with the surveys conducted across a range of times throughout the day. Survey results showed no impact by commuter parking.

 

A member of the public questioned any potential parking problems on the streets surveyed, noting issues with parking past 6pm, leaving residents to park multiple streets away from their residences or resulting in fines.

 

The Traffic Development Office noted that a consultation would be conducted between 21st February and 21st March 2023 for residents and businesses, which residents ask questions or provide feedback either online or using a pre-paid envelop by post.

 

A member of the public enquired whether the consultation was for all residents and businesses in the Stoneygate ward. It was noted that the consultation only applied to residents of the proposed area. Those outside the area would not receive the consultation or ability to respond.

 

Members of the public disputed the survey results, noting large vans parking on the streets leaving vulnerable residents without parking spaces. The Traffic Operations Team Leader noted that surveys had been carried out in accordance with the Councils principles and results would be further discussed with ward councillors.

 

A member of the public raised concern about the impact of displacement parking on streets outside the proposed area for the residential parking scheme and queried whether surveys would be conducted on displacement parking for those areas. It was noted that the decision to conduct further surveys would be dependant on the results of the consultation whether the scheme would be implemented.

 

A member of the public enquired about a consultation conducted last year and the difference between the one recently conducted. It was noted that the consultation that took place last year was an initial consultation to review the options available to the ward. The current consultation was based on the results of last years initial consultation, which asked residents whether they agreed or disagreed to a 24-hour residential parking scheme.

 

A member of the public enquired about the criteria for the final decision. It was noted that the result would be based on the majority result from residents and the ward councillor’s decision.

 

A member of the public asked what the difference was between a residential parking scheme and a parking permit. It was noted that they were similar things using an annual charge for a parking permit badge. Those without a badge would not be able to park in the area.

 

Members of the public enquired about when the analysis of the results could be expected. It was noted the results depended on Councillor decision, which would either be around the pre-election period in March – May, or after the elections in June – July 2023.