Agenda item

Report of the Chief Executive which sets out the proposed parking restrictions for Salisbury Village in Hatfield and the resultsof theinformal consultation,the statutoryconsultation, and the recommended course ofaction.

Members considered the report of the Chief Executive on the Introduction of waiting restrictions, resident permit scheme, clearway and verge and footway prohibition in various roads, Salisbury Village, Hatfield.

The report noted Salisbury Village is mainly a residential area encircled by:

·         the Ellenbrook Fields sports and leisure area

·         the University of Hertfordshire de Havilland Campus; and

·         the Hatfield Business Park

This area has a higher turnover of residents due to student accommodation properties.  There are some businesses and residences together with two care homes.

Hertfordshire County Council have been working on plans to adopt the highway in this area. Currently, parking controls within the area are managed privately.  Once the highway is adopted, these restrictions would cease immediately.  The current restrictions within Salisbury Village are operational 24/7. 

A survey was conducted in Salisbury Village area and residents were offered the following restriction options:

·                resident permit scheme;

·                single yellow line; or

·                no restrictions

As part of the survey, junction protection (double yellow lines) and the introduction of a verge protection order (VPO) was also consulted on.  Members were informed that due to a low response rate, the survey was reopened on 27 April 2020 (online and by post).

Following consideration of the report on the introduction of waiting restrictions and verge and footway prohibition in various road in this area and an Executive Member Decision Notice was made to progress the following proposals to the formal stage of the consultation process:

1.            To introduce a resident permit scheme operating Monday – Friday, 8am – 6pm.

2.            To formalise existing double yellow lines which are already marked on the highway and to introduce other sections of double yellow lines to address other safety concerns.

3.            To introduce a Verge Protection Order which covers areas of footway and verges.

Members raised and discussed the following:

• What was the short term waiting plan around the school?  This had been raised at a previous meeting.  The Officer explained that talks were being held with the Deputy Head of Howe Dell School and a draft map had been produced, which had been accepted by the school.  A copy of the map will be circulated after the meeting.
• The roads – Cunningham Ave (portion of the road) and Dragon Rd were clarified together with current restrictions and the proposed time limits, which were still being negotiated and may see half an hour been taken off on either side of the waiting restriction times. Taking it down to 8-9am and 2-3.15pm.
• The school will still have double yellow lines outside to maintain flow of traffic.  Does not include Horsa Gardens.
• Concern was expressed in terms of available parking bays for parents dropping off and picking up children.  Would the new restrictions move vehicles to wait at unauthorised parking areas?  It was confirmed that the parking areas would be similar to the current scheme. Length of the road covered would be equal too. Exact measurement of the road in question would be made available after the meeting.
• A question was raised on the operational days; what was the driver behind having Monday to Friday?  People preferred to keep weekends for visitors and events. It was explained that majority of the residents had preferred Monday to Friday, as the area in question was not used by commuters. Some local business do use residential parking during week days and the proposed restrictions would help alleviate issues. Sundays would not be possible because it would be difficult to enforce. 
• The proposals were welcomed by Members.

RESOLVED:

(Unanimously)

1.    “The Borough of Welwyn Hatfield (Various Roads, Salisbury Village, Hatfield) (Restriction of Waiting and Permit Parking Zones) Order 2020”

The Panel consider the objections received as well as issues raised in Section 15 relating to Equality and Diversity. Having considered issues in this report including any proposed mitigating actions; recommends to Cabinet to proceed with the creation of the traffic regulation order

2.    “The Borough of Welwyn Hatfield (Various Roads, Salisbury Village, Hatfield) (Prohibition of Stopping or Waiting on Verge or Footway) Order 2020”

The Panel consider the objections received as well as issues raised in Section 15 relating to Equality and Diversity. Having considered issues in this report including any proposed mitigating actions; recommends to Cabinet to proceed with the creation of the traffic regulation order

3.    “The Borough of Welwyn Hatfield (Albatross Way, Hatfield) (Clearway) Order 2020”

The Panel consider the proposal for a Clearway site alongside the other proposed restrictions. No objections have been received regarding Albatross Way, as well as issues raised in Section 15 relating to Equality and Diversity. Having considered issues in this report including any proposed mitigating actions; recommends to Cabinet to proceed with the creation of the traffic regulation order