A report on the Red Route West, Norcot and Oxford Road Bays.

Further to Minute 7 of the meeting held on 7 July 2020, the Executive Director for Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services submitted a report on the Red Route West, Norcot and Oxford Road Bays.  A plan showing the current location of the bays on Norcot Road, with the minor adjustments that had been recommended, was attached to the report at Appendix 1 and the feedback that had been received originally to the statutory consultation on the proposal to implement the additional parking bays on Norcot Road, was attached to the report at Appendix 2.

The report explained that both the Oxford Road and Norcot Road bays had been consulted as part of a single TRO and that the TRO could not be sealed until a decision had been taken on all elements.  Further comments had been received from Norcot Road residents and there had been reports of vehicles being damaged by traffic passing the bays and some difficulties had been caused when accessing private driveways.  Access protection markings were in place to deter vehicles parking over driveway access points in the bays by highlighting further the dropped footway crossings.  Although the reports of vehicle damage were regretful, it was not considered that the bays inhibited visibility for motorists using Norcot Road. 

The report proposed that the implementation of an amended proposal for the Norcot Road bays should be agreed, which could result in the sealing of the TRO.  The proposed amendment reduced the bay near to Lawrence Road and overcame a commented concern that had been raised during the consultation, regarding driveway access.  The Red Route restriction applied to the extent of the adopted Highway, which included footways and verges.  The bays had been installed to accommodate additional resident parking on the road, which was an area that was constructed to accommodate this use, over that which had been provided by residents’ private off-street parking areas. 

Parking on footways and verges caused damage as they were not constructed to support vehicle use.  This could extend to damage risks for utility services and other street furniture that was installed and could cause mud to be dragged across footways, which was a hazard to pedestrians.  Parking on footways could cause accessibility issues and act as a deterrent to greater adoption of active and sustainable transport modes.  The placement of Red Route parking bays on the outside of the bend and the clearance of former verge/footway parking on the inside of the bend would improve visibility for motorists at the location.  ‘Selective non-enforcement’ was not an option as this could lead to claims of discrimination and could undermine enforcement of the Red Route and other parking restrictions across the Borough.  The report therefore did not recommend the facilitation of any verge/footway parking at this location, as had been previously requested.

Resolved –

(1)     That the report be noted;

(2)     That the bays on Norcot Road be retained;

(3)     That the Assistant Director of Legal and Democratic Services be authorised to undertake the necessary legislative and regulatory processes to seal the resultant Traffic Regulation Order;

(4)     That no public inquiry be held into the proposals.