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Cabinet Member Report for Objections to Traffic Regulation Orders

MAIDSTONE BOROUGH COUNCIL

CABINET MEMBER FOR ENVIRONMENT

REPORT OF ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENT AND REGULATORY SERVICES

Report prepared by J Kitson�

Date Issued: 10 March 2011

1. OBJECTIONS TO TRAFFIC ORDERS

1.1 Issue for decision

1.1.1 To consider the objections received as part of the formal consultation following the advertising of;

� The Kent County Council (Borough of Maidstone) Waiting

Restrictions Order (variation No 5) Order 2010.

� The Kent County Council (Borough of Maidstone) Designated

Parking Places Order (variation No 5) Order 2010.

1.2 Recommendation of the Assistant Director of Environment and Regulatory Services

1.2.1 That the views of the public and the Joint Transportation Board members be considered.

1.2.2 The recommendations identified in the appendices to the report be agreed and the objectors informed of the outcome.

1.2.3 That Kent Highway Services be advised that the orders are made and signed as outlined in Appendix A and B.

1.3 Reasons for recommendation

1.3.1 A number of requests have been received by Parking Services for the introduction of parking restrictions at several locations across the Borough. These have been surveyed and evaluated to assess the impact on parking provision within each local area were significant parking difficulties were identified. Proposed orders were advertised and all comments received during the formal consultation were reviewed and considered.

1.3.2 A Public Notice formally advertising the orders was published in Local Press during the week ending Friday October 22^nd 2010.

1.3.3 Full details were contained in the draft orders which, together with a copy of the Public Notices, site plans and a statement of the Council�s reasons for proposing to make the orders were placed on deposit at the Main Reception, County Hall, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1XX, and at the Gateway reception, Maidstone House, King Street, Maidstone, ME15 6JQ. The proposals were also made available on- line at www.kentonline.co.uk and at www.digitalmaidstone.co.uk.

1.3.4 Letters were sent to statutory and non statutory consultees and street notices were posted in the affected roads.

1.3.5 All comments received during the formal consultation period were reviewed and considered. Consideration was given to objections and formal letters of support and balanced against the risks involved in relation to road safety, traffic congestion, environmental impact and vehicle migration. Appendix A and B identifies recommendations to proceed, amend or defer traffic regulation order proposals as required.

1.3.6 The results of the public consultation were formally presented to the Joint Transportation Board on 19^th January 2011.

1.3.7 Members were informed that following the implementation of the traffic order in Headcorn, the parking situation will be closely monitored. Where parking problems are identified in nearby streets these may be subject to future restrictions where appropriate.

1.3.8 A member also asked that Fant Lane continue to be monitored, particularly as it is a bus route.

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1.3.9 The Joint Transportations resolved;

That the Maidstone Borough Council Cabinet Member for Environment agrees the recommendations identified in the appendices to the report of the Assistant Director of Environment and Regulatory Services.

1.3.10 Appendix A provides a schedule of all proposals not receiving objections and it is recommended to proceed with each of these proposals and make the Order.

1.3.11 Appendix B provides a schedule of the proposals receiving objection, together with a summary of the objections and the relevant recommendations.

1.3.12 Appendix C provides maps of the proposed orders.

1.4 Alternative actions and why not recommended

1.4.1 To not proceed with the recommendations would result in some much needed orders not being implemented, which are intended to regulate parking to reduce identified difficulties.

1.4.2 To make the orders as advertised would not take account of comments received by objectors during formal consultation.

1.5 Impact on corporate objectives

1.5.1 The proposals are intended to resolve parking problems and improve traffic flow by reducing localised congestion; this is in accordance with the Council�s priority to reduce traffic congestion.

1.6 Risk Management

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1.6.1 Consideration must be given to objections and formal letters of support with regard to each proposal.� However this must be balanced against the risks involved in relation to road safety, traffic congestion, environmental impact and vehicle migration.

1.7 Impact on Corporate Implications

1. Financial

2.Staffing

3.Legal

4.Equality Impact Needs Assessment

5. Environmental/Sustainable Development

6. Community Safety

7. Human Rights Act

8. Procurement

9. Asset Management

1.7.1 Financial

The costs of the order variation and implementation will be met from within the Parking Services budget.

1.7.2 Legal

Formal orders will need to be made and signed by Kent County Council as the Highway Authority.

1.8 Background Documents

None

IS THIS A KEY DECISION REPORT?

Yes�� No

If yes, when did it first appear in the Forward Plan?

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This is a Key Decision because: ��..

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Wards/Parishes affected: ��..

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How to Comment

Should you have any comments on the issue that is being considered please contact either the relevant Officer or the Member of the Executive who will be taking the decision.

Cllr B Sherreard�� Cabinet Member for Environment�� Telephone: 01622 602000

�� E-mail: Ben Sherreard@maidstone.gov.uk

J Kitson�� Parking Services Manager

�� Telephone: 01622 602603

�� E-mail: jeffkitson@maidstone.gov.uk

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�� Appendix A

Proposed orders receiving no objection.

HEADCORN:� Forge Lane;