Andy Thomas, Head of City Development, will give an update on highways issues in the ward and will consult about changes to the proposed residents’ parking scheme.
Minutes:
Paul Commons, Team Leader, Traffic Regulation Team, explained that a consultation was taking place about the possible introduction of a residents’ parking scheme in part of the Freemen Ward. This followed a previous consultation on a much larger area which was rejected. Paul explained that there had been more “yes” votes from the area now being consulted, so it was felt that the option of a smaller scheme was worth considering. He pointed out that the Council did not want to impose a scheme, and it depended entirely on whether a suitable majority of residents voted for it. Questionnaires had been hand delivered to all properties on the affected streets. Anyone who lived just outside the proposed area would not be consulted.
Discussion took place about the scheme and residents raised the following queries and were answered by Paul:
1) Some premises/homes didn't receive the questionnaire.
Assurance that all were hand delivered, but more can be supplied to anyone who asks.
2) Can we have more if lost/not received?
Yes
3) Concern about parking for businesses.
The scheme would be tailored to the area's needs if approved and not all spaces would be for residents – some bays would be for limited stays.
4) Lack of clarity on the form - some people thought they didn't have to fill it in if they had not got a car.
They don't have to, but the more we get in the better.
5) Why not issue permits just for Saturday match days?
This would cost the same as a full scheme, and problems have been reported with commuter parking in the week.
6) Why isn't more ticketing done on match days?
There is a limited amount of wardens. They are concentrated on the worst areas in the immediate vicinity of the stadium.
7) Why can't the football and rugby clubs be forced to provide a Park & Ride? Also there are concerns about capacity increases.
Aylestone didn't want a park and ride. Clubs paid a fee to cover some improvements and we can't force them to do any more. If we refused planning permission on parking grounds, it would likely be overturned by the Planning Inspector.
8) Difficulties visiting friends in areas covered by parking schemes. It is an extra cost for people who have a lot of visitors.
We would not impose a scheme unless a good majority want it.
9) Rutland Avenue has been included even though we don't want it. It would reduce available spaces even further.
It has been included in the consultation as it would be affected if surrounding streets had the scheme, as more vehicles would try to park on streets without restrictions. Residents of the street can vote no.
10) If I didn't get the questionnaire or invitation to the meeting, how would I know about the consultation?
Details had been made available in many places, including the press, on line, on the BBC website – we’ve done as much as we can to draw attention to it.
11) Why aren't Shakespeare Street and Sheridan Street included? There will be a knock-on effect for these streets.
We had to draw a line somewhere. There is a clear barrier created by the main road. There was a high level of "no's" from the first consultation form these streets.
12) What if only a few reply and most say yes?
We would have to judge the situation to see if it was a sufficient response. If it wasn’t we would not go ahead.
Councillor Keeling thanked Paul for the discussion.