Agenda item
Petition for the withdrawal of double yellow lines and introduction of a loading bay /short-term parking on Berkeley Road NW9 near its junction with Kingsbury Road
This report informs the committee of a petition requesting the withdrawal of existing double yellow line restrictions and the introduction of a loading bay/short-term on Berkeley Road near its junction with Kingsbury Road and also the suspension of parking tickets issued by CCTV Camera 226.
Decision:
(i) that the contents of the petition and the issues it raises be noted;
(ii) that officers be instructed to consult on the provision of a loading bay on Berkeley Road near its junction with Kingsbury Road through its ‘short sections’ for ‘waiting and loading’ programme 2014/15;
(iii) that, subject to the outcome of the scheme consultation, the Head of Transportation be authorised to undertake statutory consultation, to consider any objections or representations and to implement the necessary Traffic Management Orders and associated signing and road marking works required to implement the changes, or to report back to the Highways Committee if objections are substantial;
(iv) that it be noted that officers would consider waiting and loading in the area as part of the planned Kingsbury Town Centre – Public Realm Improvements and Collision reduction scheme that would be developed in 2014/15 and 2015/16;
(v) that it be noted that CCTV enforcement at this location would continue as it enables the Council to improve compliance with waiting and loading restrictions, providing a safer and less congested network;
(vi) that the CCTV at this location be checked to ensure it is operating correctly in regard to parking enforcement;
(vii) that officers provide the petitioner with a clear description of the restrictions on parking, waiting and loading on the current double yellow lines in Berkley Road;
(viii) that officers consider lengthening the proposed loading bay to help accommodate larger vehicles;
(ix) that the main petitioner be informed of the outcome of the Highways Committee decisions in regard to this matter.
Minutes:
The Committee considered a report that informed of a petition requesting the withdrawal of double yellow lines and introduction of a loading bay/short term parking on Berkeley Road NW9 near its junction with Kingsbury Road and the suspension of parking tickets issued by CCTV camera 226. Tony Antoniou, Head of Transportation in setting the background stated that local traders had expressed concerns that their vehicles and suppliers were experiencing difficulties in unloading due to ‘no waiting at any time’ (double yellow lines) and no loading restrictions currently in place. In addition to the request for the removal of the double yellow lines and the provision of loading bay and short term parking, the traders have requested the suspension of penalty charge notices issued by CCTV camera 226.
The Head of Transportation explained that currently there were “no waiting at any time” restrictions at the location and there were loading restrictions in place. In his view, whilst it would be feasible to provide a formal loading bay for 2 vehicles for up to 20 minutes, the ‘no waiting at any time’ and loading restrictions be retained and “no loading” restrictions should be introduced at the junction to reduce congestion and to improve road safety. He drew members’ attention to additional parking facilities in the area including ‘pay and display’ parking in Kingsbury Road and 78 car parking spaces in the local car park to the rear of the shops opposite. He added that camera 226 should continue to be used in order to monitor and ensure compliance with traffic orders. In respect of parking enforcement notices (PCNs) issued, the Head of Transportation advised that registered keepers were entitled to make representations to the council and officers would consider each case based upon its own merits.
Mr Bharat Mistry, in presenting the petition stated that the parking and loading restrictions and the issuing of at least 50 PCNs to staff, customers and suppliers had discouraged customers and affected his business turnover. The severe loss of income was seriously affecting the viability of his plumbing business which had been established in the area for several years. Mr Mistry requested the provision of parking bays for up to 20 minutes, the relaxation of short term parking rules including the cessation of parking fines with immediate effect, the removal of camera 226 and the cancellation of the PCNs.
Councillor Butt, Leader of the Council speaking on behalf of Councillor Kabir, ward member stated that although the current provisions in the area were affecting the viability of local businesses, the Council had a statutory duty to ensure that the roads were clear hence the CCTV camera. He welcomed the recommendations in the report particularly the consultation on the provision of loading bays which could take up to 4 vehicles on Berkeley Road. In respect of the PCNs issued, Councillor Butt endorsed the officer’s view that each case would be decided on its own merits, if the registered keeper made representations to the Council.
In response to members’ questions, the Head of Transportation stated that he would endeavour to commence with the consultation within 4 weeks after the meeting however, the statutory consultation for Traffic Regulation Orders and implementation would take approximately 6 months.
RESOLVED:
(i) that the contents of the petition and the issues it raises be noted;
(ii) that officers be instructed to consult on the provision of a loading bay on Berkeley Road near its junction with Kingsbury Road through its ‘short sections’ for ‘waiting and loading’ programme 2014/15;
(iii) that, subject to the outcome of the scheme consultation, the Head of Transportation be authorised to undertake statutory consultation, to consider any objections or representations and to implement the necessary Traffic Management Orders and associated signing and road marking works required to implement the changes, or to report back to the Highways Committee if objections are substantial;
(iv) that it be noted that officers would consider waiting and loading in the area as part of the planned Kingsbury Town Centre – Public Realm Improvements and Collision reduction scheme that would be developed in 2014/15 and 2015/16;
(v) that it be noted that CCTV enforcement at this location would continue as it enabled the Council to improve compliance with waiting and loading restrictions, providing a safer and less congested network;
(vi) that the CCTV at this location be checked to ensure it was operating correctly in regard to parking enforcement;
(vii) that officers provide the petitioner with a clear description of the restrictions on parking, waiting and loading on the current double yellow lines in Berkley Road;
(viii) that officers consider lengthening the proposed loading bay to help accommodate larger vehicles;
(ix) that the main petitioner be informed of the outcome of the Highways Committee decisions in regard to this matter.
Supporting documents: