Agenda item

            The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Enterprise, Community and Resources, which advised on the consultation process with regard to the proposal to introduce waiting restrictions on Lindfield Close, Runcorn Road and Beechmoore near to Moore Primary School, in order to address parking congestion.

            It was noted that in March 2014, a resident had raised the issue of parking congestion in the area of Moore Primary School, associated with parents’/carers’ vehicles being parked on nearby junctions and Runcorn Road, blocking both sightlines and desire lines for drivers and pedestrians alike. Subsequently, in July 2015, Cheshire Police requested the introduction of waiting restrictions in the same areas to help resolve these problems.

            Consequently, in November 2015, a consultation process on waiting restrictions was carried out which included Ward Councillors, Moore Parish Council and the frontage properties. This proposal included leaving the existing double white line system in place in order to prevent overtaking on a length of road where forward visibility is limited because of the railway bridge parapet. Objections to the proposal were received from a resident whose property did not directly front onto the proposed restriction, Moore Primary School and Moore Parish Council, details of those objections and Officer responses were outlined in the report. In addition, it was reported that an Officer from the Council and representatives from Cheshire Police had attended Moore Parish Council meetings to discuss the proposals.

            On behalf of local residents, Councillor J Bradshaw addressed the Board and commented on:

·         The existing problem occurs in this area for a short period during school drop off and pick up;

·         It is a similar situation outside other schools in the Borough and similar waiting restrictions are not proposed

·         The result of waiting restrictions will be to transfer parking onto nearby streets and the impact this would have;

·         The impact on residents where the waiting restrictions are proposed in particular parking for visitors;

·         the proposals were in response to a complaint from one resident; and

·         Moore Primary School currently put cones in this area during drop off and pick up times and a decision on waiting restrictions should be delayed to assess its effectiveness.

            In response, PC Barry Grantham addressed the Board on behalf of Cheshire Police. He commented that:

·         Cheshire Police had issued parking tickets but this had not deterred people from parking cars on the existing double white lines Also PCSO’s cannot be outside Moore Primary School each day;

·         The Police could not support the proposal to put out cones as these should only be used for short term solutions, their use should not exceed seven days and it is not an enforceable option; and

·         The main concern of Cheshire Police is the safety of the school children.

            RESOLVED: That the proposal to make an Order to introduce “At Any Time” waiting restrictions on parts of Lindfield Close, Runcorn Road and Beechmoore in Moore as shown in Appendix ‘A and defined in Appendix ‘C’ be supported and that the report be submitted to the Executive Board for its consideration.