Agenda and minutes

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the Committee held on 13 August 2013, and to authorise the Chairman to sign them.

The minutes of the meetings of the Committee held on 13 August 2013 were approved as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.

Report attached

The report before the committee detailed the outcome of a consultation on the provision of fully accessible bus stops along part of Suttons Lane and along Airfield Way.

The report detailed that the introduction of bus stop clearways reduces the problem of accessibility by providing sufficient space for buses to pull in close to the kerb. It had become even more important with the provision of buses that are fully wheelchair accessible, because the benefits of low-floor and “kneeling” buses are considerably reduced if the bus cannot get to the kerb.

The report informed the Committee that of the690 bus stops in the borough,

42% are deemed to be fully accessible.

In order for a stop to be fully accessible, it must meet the following criteria;

·         The kerb to the footway must be between 125mm and 140mm to be compatible with the front and rear loading doors of the bus and the ramp deployed from the rear loading doors;

·         The bus stop should be restricted from parking and stopping by a bus stop clearway so that the stop is always available for buses to be able to pull into tightly to the kerb.

The report outlined the following accessibility improvements that had been proposed for various existing bus stops along part of Suttons Lane and Airfield Way:

Report attached

This Committee considered a report that out the responses to a consultation for the provision of fully accessible bus stops along the length of Pettits Lane North and part of Havering Road.

The report detailed that introduction of bus stop clearways reduces the problem of accessibility by providing sufficient space for buses to pull in close to the kerb. It had become even more important with the provision of buses that are fully wheelchair accessible, because the benefits of low-floor and “kneeling” buses were considerably reduced if the bus cannot get to the kerb.

The report outlined the following accessibility improvements that had been proposed for various existing bus stops along Pettits Lane and part of Havering Road as set out in the following tables;

Report attached

The report before the Committee detailed accident reduction programme in Corbets Tey Road and Hacton Lane following a feasibility study carried out to identify safety improvements in the area.

The report detailed that 85^th percentile traffic speed along Corbets Tey Road and Hacton Lane exceeded the 30mph speed limit. Staff considered these speeds to be undesirable and a contributory factor to accidents. In the four-year period to October 2012, twenty personal injury accidents (PIAs) were recorded along Corbets Tey Road and and twelve (PIAs) along Hacton Lane respectively. Of the twenty PIAs along Corbets Tey Road, two were serious; two were speed related; one occurred during the hours of darkness and four involved pedestrians. Of the twelve PIAs along Hacton Lane, two were serious and two were speed related.

The following safety improvements were proposed along Corbets Tey Road and Hacton Lane to reduce vehicle speeds and minimise accidents.

·         Corbets Tey Road between Stewart Avenue and The Approach

(Drawing No:QM033/C/1)

-       Pedestrian Refuge between Stewart Avenue and Springfield Gardens.

-       Pedestrian refuge south of The Approach.

-       Hatch and centre line road markings.

·                  Corbets Tey Road/Park Drive/Gaynes Park Road miniroundabout

 (Drawing No:QM033/C/2)

-       Pedestrian refuges along Park Drive.

-       Pedestrian refuge along Gaynes Park Road.

-       Larger dome construction.

-       High friction anti-skid surfacing at the Corbets Tey Road approaches.

-       Parking signs as shown.

·                Hacton Lane / Ravenscourt Grove Junction

(Drawing No:QM033/H/1)

-       Mini Roundabout.

-       Zebra crossing

-       Pedestrian Refuge

-       Minor carriageway and footway widening

At the close of consultation, five written responses from Ward Members and London Buses were received on the Corbets Tey Road proposals and the comments were summarised in the appendix of the report.

The proposal for Hacton Lane recorded seven written responses from Ward Members, London Buses and residents and the comments also were summarised in the appendix of the report.

Officers were of the view that the proposed safety improvements would minimise accidents along Corbets Tey Road and Hacton Lane. It was therefore proposed that the identified safety improvements be recommended for implementation.

In accordance with the public participation arrangements, the Committee was addressed by a local resident who spoke in favour of the proposed safety improvements.

During general debate Members of the Committee discussed:

·         A member was concerned that the mini-roundabout at Hacton Lane would cause more problems than it would solve. He was also concerned about the proximity of the zebra crossing to the roundabout.

·         Other members were happy with the roundabout, but shared concerns about the zebra crossing.

·         A member suggested that the scheme go ahead and the zebra crossing be looked at again.

The Committee RESOLVED:

1.        To recommend to the Cabinet Member for Community Empowerment that the safety improvements as detailed in the report be implemented

Corbets Tey Road

(a)     Pedestrian refuges and centreline hatch road markings along Corbets Tey Road between Stewart Avenue and The Approach as shown on Drawing No.QM033/C/1.

(b)     Pedestrian  ...  view the full minutes text for item 22.

Report attached

At its meeting on 9 July 2013, the Committee considered and recommended for approval following measures around the Queen’s Theatre as part of adoption of the roads as public highways.  

i)          ‘At Any’ time waiting and loading restrictions to enhance highway safety at  various locations;

ii)         Loading bay in Theatre Road;

iii)       Stopping for 5 minutes maximum by the recycling centre;

iv)       One-way traffic flow in the road fronting The Queen’s Theatre;

v)         Blue badge parking bays in the road fronting the theatre entrance.

At the meeting, Members had debated in detail on whether there should be free parking bays for coach parking for events such as pantomimes. Some members felt that temporary road closures would not be helpful in dealing with coach groups, therefore, considered that dedicated short term parking would be beneficial.

The report before the Committee outlined three measures that were suggested for the free parking bays.

·         The proposals for a free parking bay outside the theatre was abandoned and converted for coach parking. The revised proposals were shown in drawing no. QH083-of-201/D.

·         The existing drop off point for audiences outside the theatre was reduced in size to enhance coach parking. The proposals have been amended and were shown on attached drawing no. QH083-of-201/D.

·         Free parking bays in Theatre Road had been excluded from the proposals and converted to free parking for coaches. The revised proposals were shown on attached drawing no. QH083-of-201/D.

Following the close of consultation, seven responses have been received which represents 8% of the letters delivered.

The report detailed that the manager of the Queen’s Theatre had welcomed the decision of a loading bay for deliveries and one-way traffic system outside the theatre.  He also stated that school audiences arrive by coaches mainly in December for the annual pantomime and most visitors were from the local area, arriving by cars or public transport.  As a result, he had requested to return to the original measures (i.e. Option 1).

In accordance with the public participation arrangements the Committee was addressed by the Administrative Director of the Queen’s Theatre who spoke in support of Option 1. He explained that coaches were only an issue for 2 weeks of the year in December for school performances and that this was already catered for.

The Committee received confirmation that the coaches for school performances normally stay on the road in front of the Theatre which would be closed with a temporary traffic order.

The Committee RESOLVED:

1.            To recommend to the Cabinet Member for Community Empowerment that:  

                                    Option 1: That the measures as originally designed be           implemented. These included provisions of a drop off/pick up     parking bay (for 3 cars), free parking bay outside the theatre and free parking in Theatre Road. The proposals were shown on drawing no. QH083-of-201. The cost of implementing the measures would be £1,000.

2. That it be noted the cost of carrying out the works would be met by the Council’s Streetcare Revenue budget allocated for 2013/14 financial year.

By the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 23.

Report attached

The Committee considered the report and without debate, RESOLVED:

1. To recommend to the Cabinet Member for Community Empowerment that the various loading bays, parking bays, parking restrictions and bus stop clearway as set out in the report and shown on the following drawings be implemented;

·         QL008-OB-008A

·         QM009-OB-001A

·         QM009-OB-002A

1. That it be noted that the estimated cost of £20,000 for implementation of the loading bays, parking bays and parking restrictions would be met by Transport for London through the 2013/14 Local Implementation Plan allocation for Freight Loading Facilities.

2. That it be noted that the estimated cost of £1,500 for implementation of the bus stop clearway would be met by Transport for London through the 2013/14 Local Implementation Plan allocation for Bus Stop Accessibility.

Report attached

The Committee considered the report and without debate, RESOLVED:

1.        To recommend to the Cabinet Member for Community Empowerment that the safety improvements detailed in the report and shown on the relevant drawings be implemented as follows:

(a)     Junction ahead vehicle activated warning signs, ‘Giveway’ markings and signs and slow markings along A1306 New Road in the vicinity of Wentworth Way Junction as shown on Drawing No.QM002/A/1.

(b)     High friction surfacing and re-marking worn off road markings along A1306 New Road in the vicinity of Launders Lane Junction as shown on Drawing No.QM002/A/2.

(c)       Traffic islands along A1306 New Road in the vicinity of Wennington Road Junction as shown on Drawing No.QM002/A/3.

(d)      Cross road vehicle activated warning signs, high friction surfacing, rumble strips, coloured surfacing 40mph roundel, hatch and slow road markings along A1306 New Road in the vicinity of Sandy Lane as shown on Drawing Nos.QM002/A/4, QM002/A/4/1 and QM002/A/4/2.

2.      To recommend to the Cabinet Member for Community Empowerment that a larger roundabout be implemented at the A1306 New Road / Sandy Lane Junction as shown on Drawing No. QM002/A/5 as a long term solution, subject to funding being available in 2014/15 financial year, detailed design and further consultation with Thurrock Council.

3.      That, it be noted that the estimated costs of £70,000, would be met from the Transport for London’s (TfL) 2013/14 financial year allocation to Havering for Accident Reduction Programme.

Report attached

The Committee considered a report that outlined the responses received to the advertised proposals for proposed ‘At any time’ waiting restrictions in Chase Cross Road, which was agreed in principle under the Head of Streetcares delegated powers.

The report informed the Committee that following a Traffic Liaison Meeting held on the 29 September 2011 a representative from the Metropolitan Police requested staff consider implementing a scheme in Chase Cross Road opposite the parade of shops.

On 18 October 2011 Highways presented a report to the Highways Advisory Committee for safety improvements to the area. It was then noted at this meeting that a resident was concerned about parking conditions in the vicinity of the shops and crossing. It was noted that the Parking Team would review the parking restrictions at this location.

On 20 October 2011 a Ward Councillor contacted a Highways Engineer stating that residents were concerned about the parking situation in the area of the shops in Chase Cross Road and that they were requesting waiting restrictions to stop the bottle neck effect that was taking place.

On 15 November 2011 a request for ‘At any time’ waiting restrictions in the section of Chase Cross Road, between the zebra crossing and the bus stop lay-by was taken to the Highways Advisory Committee and was deferred.

On the 15 May 2012 the Committee agreed to remove this item from the deferred list by 8 votes in favour with 1 abstention.

In February 2013, at a Traffic Liaison meeting, a representative from the Metropolitan Police raised the issue about parking opposite the parade of shops on Chase Cross Road.

As a result of the further representation from the Police, the Head of StreetCare decided to exercise his delegated powers to progress proposals to introduce waiting restrictions in the area. These proposals were placed on calendar brief were formally advertised.

The proposals were to introduce ‘At any time’ waiting restrictions to cover the unnamed road opposite 266 Chase Cross Road, extending into Chase Cross Road, on its southern side, between the unnamed road opposite 266 to the lay-by fronting 284 and extending into the unnamed road fronting the Chase Cross Road residential addresses, on its northern side for 10 metres either side of its junction with the unnamed road opposite 266.

Due to the significant responses received to the advertised proposals, the Head of StreetCare considered that it would be more appropriate for the responses to be considered by the Committee and decide on a further course of action.

A consultation of 36 addresses in the area perceived to be affected by the proposed scheme were carried out. Eighteen statutory bodies were also consulted and site notices were placed in Chase Cross Road. At the close of the public consultation, 11 responses were received along with a 558 person petition organised by the owner of the Olive Tree Café. The responses received were detailed in the report.

In accordance with the public participation arrangements the Committee was addressed by the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 26.

Report to follow if available

The report before the Committee detailed responses received to the advertised proposals to change the existing Disc parking restriction in the lay-by and outside the shops in South Street, Romford, to a Pay and Display parking bays.

The report explained that the request was put forward to help with parking provision for local businesses, as it was now generally considered that the provision of Pay & Display parking bays was more user friendly and accessible to the public, than the Disc parking scheme.

The formal proposals were to change the existing Disc Parking restriction operational from 8am to 6.30pm Monday – Saturday, with a maximum stay period of 1 hour, with no return to the bay within 2 hours to a Pay & Display parking bay, operational 8.30am – 6.30pm Monday – Saturday inclusive with a maximum stay period of 2 hours, with no return to the bay within 2 hours.

The reported informed the Committee that although the proposals were advertised with a 2 hour maximum stay period on the bays, in order to bring in line with the harmonisation of the Pay and Display scheme, it was suggested to the Committee to approve an increase of the maximum stay period to three hours.

Only one response was received to the proposals, from a representative of a business, who stated that they were in favour of the proposals.

The Committee RESOLVED:

To recommend to the Cabinet Member for Community Empowerment that:

A.   The proposals to change the existing Disc Parking restrictions in the lay-by area and outside the shops in South Street to a Pay and Display parking bays, operational 8.30am – 6.30pm Monday – Saturday inclusive, with a maximum stay period of 3 hours, with no return to the bay within 2 hours, be implemented

B.   The effect of the scheme be monitored

C.    That the estimated cost to install the proposed Pay & Display machine as set out in the report be £3,500. The intention was to finance this scheme a separate capital allocation. The estimated cost of the rest of the scheme as set out in the report was £1,500 including advertising costs. These costs would be funded from the 2013/14 Minor Parking Schemes budget.

The vote for the proposal was 9 in favour and 1 abstention.

Report to follow if available

This agenda item was withdrawn by officers. It is planned to be represented next month.

Report to follow if available

This agenda item was withdrawn by officers. It is planned to be represented next month.

The Committee is requested to consider the report relating to work in progress and applications - Report attached

The report presented Members with all new highway schemes requests in order for a decision to be made on whether the scheme should progress or not before resources were expended on detailed design and consultation.

The Committee considered and agreed in principle the schedule that detailed the applications received by the service en bloc.

The Committee’s decisions were noted as follows against each request:

The Committee is requested to consider the report relating to minor traffic and parking schemes - Report attached

The report before the Committee detailed all Minor Traffic and Parking Scheme application requests in order for a decision to be made on whether the scheme should progress or not before resources were expended on detailed design and consultation.

The Committee considered and agreed in principle the schedule that detailed the applications received by the service.

The Committee’s decisions were noted as follows against each scheme:

During the discussion of the reports the Committee RESOLVED to suspend Committee Procedure Rule 8 in order to complete the consideration of the remaining business of the agenda.