Sharrow Vale Permit Parking Scheme
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
REPORT TO CITY CENTRE, SOUTH & EAST AREA PLANNING & HIGHWAYS BOARD
19 MARCH 2007
SHARROW VALE PERMIT PARKING SCHEME
1 PURPOSE
1.1 To inform Members of the outcome of further discussions with representatives of traders in the Sharrow Vale shopping area.
1.2 To seek approval to proceed with the proposals as recommended in the Area Board report of 18 December 2006, subject to some changes detailed within this report.
2 BACKGROUND
2.1 The proposals for the Sharrow Vale area are the latest phase in the City Council’s programme for the creation of a Peripheral Parking Zone in which various measures are being introduced to address parking issues around the City Centre.
2.2 This Area Board considered formal objections to the proposals and approved the majority of the scheme on 18 December 2006. Members requested however that the proposals for the Sharrow Vale shopping area – comprising of Sharrow Vale Road (Hunters Bar to Lynton Road), Hickmott Road, Eastwood Road, Bruce Road, Neill Road and Steel Road – be the subject of further discussions with the Chamber Of Commerce and local business representatives.
2.3 It should be noted that the scope of these discussions was limited to the actual scheme design, for example the location or type of parking bays. Overall policy issues related to the scheme, such as the cost or allocation of permits, were not for discussion, however such issues were raised and therefore details of these discussions are outlined within this report.
2.4 Copies of this report and the associated drawings have been on display in the Members Library, the Council’s website, in First Point, the Central Library and Highfield Library since 12 March 2007. The drawings are also on display at today’s meeting.
3 PROPOSALS
3.1 The full details of the Sharrow Vale Permit Parking Scheme are set out in the report considered by this Board in December. The proposals in the Sharrow Vale shopping area mainly consist of short stay pay and display bays, loading bays and other yellow lines to keep junctions clear and reduce vehicle conflict. See drawing number TR-BG259-B2-B, on display.
4 DISCUSSIONS WITH BUSINESSES
4.1 Through the Chamber of Commerce, officers engaged in further talks with local traders and the head teachers of Hunters Bar Infants and Junior Schools. The first meeting, held on 10 January 2007, was mainly concerned with identifying those issues that local businesses felt should be changed. The main concerns and suggestions were:
· Resident and business permits should not be valid on Sharrow Vale Road and Hickmott Road
· The proposed loading bays could be better located within the shopping area
· That the other proposals put forward by businesses had not been fully considered, including a one-way system on Neill Road, Bruce Road, and Eastwood Road, a 15 Minute Parking Zone on Sharrow Vale Road, and bollards on Hickmott Road
· That the allocation of business permits was not yet clarified, and the cost of business permits was unfair
· Hunters Bar Infants and Junior School had indicated their concern regarding the school drop off/pick up
· Pay and Display machines should not be introduced – a parking disc system should be adopted instead (this proposal was rejected by Board in December).
4.2 In view of the concerns expressed by local traders further consideration was given to the issues raised. Details of these investigations were discussed at a second meeting with local traders on 5 February 2007. More details can be found below.
5 PERMIT VALIDITY – SHARROW VALE ROAD/HICKMOTT ROAD
5.1 Local businesses suggested that the existing turnover of parked vehicles is relatively low, and that this would continue if permit holders were allowed to park in these spaces. Parking surveys were carried out to identify the current turnover, which indicated that:
Sharrow Vale Road
· On Sharrow Vale Road, between Junction Road and Lynton Road, there are 120 residential and 70 business properties
· Parking by residents was relatively low, with few residents vehicles staying throughout the day
· There are some existing short stay bays on Sharrow Vale Road which generally turn over reasonably well. Some vehicles abuse the restrictions and are parked throughout the day
· A significant number of vehicles arrive and park on Sharrow Vale Road long term through the working day, suggesting they may belong to staff working in the area
Hickmott Road
· On Hickmott Road there are 17 residential and 16 business properties
· Parking by residents was relatively low, with few residents vehicles staying throughout the day
· A significant number of vehicles arrive and park on Hickmott Road long term through the working day, suggesting they may belong to staff working in the area
In view of the high number of residential properties on these streets, and the relatively low number of residents vehicles parked during the working day, it is not considered necessary or indeed appropriate to prevent residents from parking close to their homes.
5.2 However the surveys suggest that there would be merit in preventing Business Permit Holders from parking on these streets (Hickmott Road, and Sharrow Vale Road between Junction Road and Lynton Road), ensuring that spaces are available for shoppers and business clients. The surveys indicated that commuter parking on these streets is a problem.
5.3 This approach does not penalise residents who live on these streets, whilst ensuring that businesses do not exacerbate the situation by parking their own vehicles in spaces that would be best used by their customers or local residents.
5.4 Furthermore, this proposal will help to address parking problems experienced outside Hunters Bar Infants and Junior School during the morning peak. No permits will be valid in the echelon bays outside the school, and few shops are open at this time. It is considered that the majority of these bays will be therefore be available for parents dropping children off at school. Parents will be able to utilise the pay and display bays for the afternoon pick up.
5.5 Once the scheme is implemented, the area will be monitored to determine if the spaces are turning over as required, and, if necessary, the situation will be reviewed.
6 LOADING BAYS & DOUBLE YELLOW LINES
6.1 Vehicles are permitted to load and unload on the majority of single and double yellow lines, as well as the short stay parking bays. In addition, 3 formal loading bays are proposed at locations throughout the shopping centre. Local traders suggested alternative locations for these loading bays.
6.2 Each loading bay has been re-assessed and all are considered to be in the most appropriate location. Each loading bay has been located in a position where they will best serve all businesses in the area. It is therefore recommended that the loading bays be implemented as originally proposed.
6.3 Once in place the scheme will be monitored and if there are problems associated with the loading bays then further consideration will be given to location of such facilities.
6.4 Hunters Bar Infants and Junior Schools also requested that double yellow lines be implemented on the junction of Kirkstall Road and Cowlishaw Road, to ease parking problems at this location. This proposal was put forward in the original consultation and will be progressed subject to approval.
7 OTHER PROPOSALS PUT FORWARD BY LOCAL BUSINESSES
One-way system on Neill Road/Eastwood Road/Bruce Road
7.1 A request was made for the introduction of a one-way system to ease some of the vehicle conflicts that exist on these narrow streets.
7.2 One-way operation could lead to an increase in traffic volumes on these roads, if drivers seek to avoid the busier Ecclesall Road/Hickmott Road junction. The lack of vehicle ‘conflict’ could also lead to higher speeds, and if so traffic calming may be required. Accident statistics are currently low, with 1 slight injury in 5 years. Full consultation and a new Traffic Regulation Order would be required, and as a result the cost of this proposal could be approximately £30,000-£40,000 including traffic calming. This could not be funded as part of the current scheme.
7.3 The introduction of short stay parking bays should increase the turnover of spaces creating passing places and allowing easier passage of vehicles.
7.4 In view of the above it is recommended that this proposal be put on hold until the scheme review takes place. Should problems continue, then this proposal can be assessed for consideration within a future budget for implementing traffic management schemes.
15-minute parking zone on Sharrow Vale Road.
7.5 Businesses have requested that a 15-minute free parking area be introduced on Sharrow Vale Road. This would be very difficult to enforce, as it would require the presence of a parking attendant at all times to prevent abuse of the bay. It is considered that the original proposals will provide appropriate cheap, short term parking for visitors and shoppers, and it is therefore recommended that this proposal is not progressed.
Bollards should be provided on Hickmott Road near Sharrow Vale Road to physically prevent vehicles parking illegally on the pavement.
7.6 At present vehicles are often parked at this location whilst deliveries are made or drivers obtain and consume food from nearby shops.
7.7 Under the proposed scheme this section of of Hickmott Road between Sharrow Vale Road and Eastwood Road would be subject to a ‘No loading or waiting at any time’ restriction, aimed at easing this problem. Shopkeepers are requested to assist with this by asking delivery vehicles to use the designated new loading bays wherever possible. Parking attendants will be made aware of the particular need for enforcement at this location.
7.8 Bollards involve an additional cost that could be avoided if the yellow lines are enforced sufficiently. However this suggestion will be re-considered as part of the 6-month scheme review.
Response from Local Traders and Businesses
7.9 The representatives of the local traders have submitted a formal response to the above comments, outlining their position. This can be found in Appendix A.
8 BUSINESS PERMITS
Business Permit Cost
8.1 Cabinet has already approved the cost of parking permits for permit parking schemes, with the first resident permit costing £36 and the second and subsequent permits costing £72. The approved cost of Business Permits is currently £72 for the first permit and £144 for a second permit. Consideration was given to charging for further permits, (if made available) at a higher rate as is the case in some other parking schemes in major cities. Following concerns expressed by traders it is recommended that additional business permits will cost no more than double the single permit rate (that is currently £144 each).
Business Permit Allocation.
8.2 It is accepted that some businesses will require additional business permits to allow them to carry out their day-to-day operations. A procedure for assessing the provision of additional permits has therefore been developed. This procedure aims to assess the travel needs of a business and provide additional permits where necessary, based upon a set of criteria that provides an understandable, consistent and fair outcome.
8.3 The proposed procedure is based on several key principles, all of which aim to identify the operational need of a business for additional permits. The procedure takes several key factors into account, which are detailed below:
· The quantity of private off-street parking in relation to current UDP car parking standards
· The willingness to become involved in a travel plan (larger businesses only)
· Demonstration of an operational need for additional permits
· The availability of public transport and unrestricted parking opportunities.
8.4 Businesses who wish to apply for additional permits will need to contact the Council and provide information related to the factors detailed above. Officers will then make an assessment to determine if additional permits can be allocated.
8.5 Should a business currently have more private parking than would be permitted under current UDP guidelines, then the request for additional permits will be refused. If private parking is below current UDP standards, the Council will consider the provision of permits up to the number that would be permitted under current UDP standards. More permits than the UDP standard may be granted initially (with a time limit) to allow businesses to reorganise parking operations with their staff.
8.6 Additional permits will only be considered for larger businesses (50+ employees) who develop a travel plan. The Council’s Travel Plan officers will work with businesses to assess their operational need and take other issues into account, such as the proximity to good public transport and unrestricted parking opportunities. Smaller businesses will be required to demonstrate an operational need for additional permits.
8.7 Should a business wish to appeal against the number of permits granted, Council officers will re-consider the application. Should the outcome remain the same, it is recommended that the Head of Transport & Highways Division, together with the Cabinet Member for Transport, make a final decision on similar lines to the Band A procedure.
9 OTHER PROPOSED AMENDMENTS
9.1 Whilst the aforementioned discussions were taking place some other minor requests for changes to the scheme have been received, which are detailed below and on drawing number TR-BG259-B6, on display.
9.2 A request was made by Councillor Jean Cromar for some parking bays to be made available on Club Garden Road for people using the local shops. This has been looked at and it is recommended that a small section of residents’ only bays be altered to 2-hour pay and display. It is hoped that this will encourage turnover of the spaces to benefit these shops. Resident and business permits will be valid in these bays, without time limit or charge.
9.3 Two local residents have requested additional permit holder only bays on Wigfull Road and Bagshot Road. Officers have looked into both requests and feel they are of merit. In each case, some additional permit holder only bays would not upset the balance of restrictions in the area, and therefore it is recommended these alterations be progressed.
9.4 During the review of proposals in the Sharrow Vale, 3 additional parking spaces have been identified on Steel Road, which will provide extra short stay parking near the Sharrow Vale shops Furthermore, two permit holders only spaces are to be provided on Sharrow Vale Road where unrestricted parking was proposed. This change reflects the recent refurbishment of two houses previously unoccupied, and provides some parking opportunity for these residents.
10 FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
10.1 The introduction of the scheme has already been approved as a commitment within the overall LTP programme. It is estimated that this cost will be approximately £450,000.
10.2 The ongoing operational costs, primarily enforcement, will be covered by income from permits and pay and display bays. Without this income the scheme could not be enforced and therefore would become ineffective. There are therefore no new financial implications associated with this report.
11 EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
11.1 Disabled (Blue) Badge Holders will not be able to park in the Permit Only Bays, unless displaying a valid residents’/business permit, but will be able to park on yellow lines in the area for up to 3 hours, provided that they do not cause an obstruction. They will also be able to park in the Shared Use Pay & Display Bays without charge or restriction on time. There are also several additional dedicated Blue Badge parking spaces provided within the scheme.
11.2 Ambulances and Community Transport vehicles should benefit by way of improved access within the area due to the reduction in the number of vehicles parked on street and provision of waiting restrictions to protect junctions.
12 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS
12.1 The scheme is intended to contribute to reducing the environmental impact of cars and to increase the attraction of walking, cycling and public transport, in line with Council environmental objectives. The removal of densely parked cars in urban areas will improve the environment for residents and visitors alike.
13 PROPERTY IMPLICATIONS
13.1 There are no property implications associated with this report.
14 RECOMMENDATIONS
14.1 That the Sharrow Vale Permit Parking Scheme be amended in line with changes detailed in this report and the Traffic Regulation Orders be made accordingly.
14.2 That the scheme be regularly monitored once in place and a formal review takes place 6 months after the scheme becomes fully operational.
14.3 That the procedure for business permits as set out in section 8 be approved
14.4 That the local traders be informed accordingly.
John Bann
Head of Transport & Highways
8 March 2007
Downloads
This document contains Appendix A to the Sharrow Vale Permit Parking Scheme report (107 KB)