Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor S. Bashforth.

There were no items of urgent business received.

There were no declarations of interest received.

There were no public questions received.

The Minutes of the meeting held on 19^th January 2023 are attached for approval.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting held on 19^th January 2023 be approved as a correct record.

The purpose of this report is to consider objections received to introduce prohibitive waiting restrictions within Robinson Street, Chadderton.

The Panel gave consideration to a report regarding objections received to the introduction of prohibitive waiting restrictions along part of Robinson Street, Chadderton.

The Proposal was promoted to address the obstructive parking that regularly took place along Robinson Street. Due to its connectivity with the Metrolink Stop, Robinson Street had been designated as part of the proposed Chadderton Broadway to Freehold Tram Stop cycling and walking route. The route was to be financed by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s (GMCA) Mayor’s Challenge Fund (MCF). A pocket park was located at the eastern end of Robinson Street and vehicles parked adjacent to the area masked the presence of children who were entering and leaving the park area. To improve access for cyclists who were using the dedicated cycling route and to create a safer environment for the park users, it was proposed to introduce double yellow lines along the length of Robinson Street that fronted the park area.

The proposal had been approved under delegated powers on 31^st March 2022 and subsequently advertised. Two letters of objections had been received. The basis of the objections was that vehicles that previously parked on that side of the street would push parking issues further along Robinson Street and Block Lane. The traffic problems were due to Freehold Tram Stop not have a car park for its users and that during the pandemic, it was impossible for residents to park on the street during the day due to the number of commuters who left their vehicles to use the Tram Stop.

In light of the objections, there was a high demand for parking in the area due to the majority of residential properties not having off-street parking, which resulted in residents having to rely on the highway for parking. The nearby Tram Stop attracted an increasing number of commuters to park on Robinson Street. However, the area outside of the pocket park needed to be clear for safety purposes and there was no automatic right to park on the public highway. Fewer people were expected to drive and park close to the Tram Stop as it should be easier to cycle and walk to the Tram Stop. The parking restrictions were being implemented where there were no residential properties adjacent.

Options considered:

Option 1: Introduce the restrictions as advertised.

Option 2: Do not introduce the restrictions and allow the obstructive parking to continue.

RESOLVED that, as per the recommendation, the proposed restrictions be introduced as advertised.