Agenda item

The report before Members set out responses to a consultation on the proposals to improve traffic flow and upgrading the existing cycle facilities in Angel Way, Romford. 

The report informed the Committee of the following measures to improve traffic in the area:

·                Proposal for ‘At Any time’ Waiting and Loading restrictions - At present there were temporary ‘At Any time’ waiting and loading restrictions in Angel Way between High Street and the Trinity Methodist Church, Romford. These were mainly to keep the road clear from inconsiderate parking. Temporary restrictions were only valid for up to eighteen months. The temporary measures would soon expire and it was proposed to make the restrictions permanent. 

·                Proposal for freight loading bays in Angel Way, Romford - There were loading bays at the back of the shops in High Street, Romford between property nos. 18 to 46. However, there were no loading bays for businesses in Angel Way by the multi-storey car park.  The lack of on-street loading facilities had been raised by local shopkeepers and businesses in Angel Way and High Street that received deliveries throughout the day.  At present, delivery vehicles parked at various locations in the road, which obstructed the general flow of traffic.

The proposed loading bays would allow free parking for maximum 30 minutes with no return within 1 hour. The loading bays would operate from 06:00am to 09:00pm, Mondays to Saturdays inclusive; the same as other loading bays in the close vicinity.

·                Proposal to upgrade the existing cycle route - Following the various developments in the Town Centre, it was considered necessary to view the direction of travel of the traffic in relation to upgrading the existing cycle route in the area.

·                Proposal for a speed table; to raise the carriage level of Angel Way (between the High Street, Romford and the entrance to the car park of Trinity Methodist Church) to be level with the existing footway which will have a similar effect to a speed table.

At the close of consultation, 5 responses were received. The Metropolitan Police, Salvation Army and Havering branch of the London Cycle Campaign were in support of the proposed measures.  A resident of Leyland Court had objected to the proposals stating lack of parking for the residents of Leyland Court, and the Trinity Methodist Church had objected to making the temporary restrictions permanent, between High Street, Romford and the private car park owned by the Church. 

The Committee was informed of representaions made by the Cabinet Member for Environment asking for consideration to be given to a relaxation of the operational times of the parking restrictions. In response to Members questions officers confirmed that it was not currently financially viable to open the Angel Way multi-storey car park on Sundays, but that this would be kept under review. 

During a brief debate, Members discussed the operational times of the traffic restrictions, use of the loading bays and received information on future development in the vicinity of Angel way which would effect future highway use. A member raised the possibility of a designated drop off area behind the Golden Lion public house. Officers confirmed that consideration could be given to such a proposal following completion of the new development.   

The Committee noted that the proposed operational times for the loading bays of 06:00am to 09:00pm, Mondays to Saturdays are the standard times for  other loading bays in the  vicinity of Angel Way. 

Following the debate it was RESOLVED;

To recommend to the Cabinet Member for Environment that the following measures be implemented:

1.         Upgrading existing cycling facilities

Upgrade of the existing cycle facilities in Angel Way between the eastern boundary wall of the Trinity Methodist Church and High Street, Romford as detailed on drawing no. QO 008AW_001 of the report.

2.         Changes to vehicular movements in Angel Way, Romford between High Street and St. Edwards Way

Proposed vehicular movements in the entire length of Angel Way be agreed as shown on drawing no. AGW/01/01 of the report.

3.         Construction of Speed table in Angel Way, Romford

Angel Way between the entrance to the multi-storey car park of Trinity Methodist Church and High Street, Romford and extending on both sides of the Multi-storey car park approximately 10 metres as shown on drawing no. QO 008AW_001of the report

4.         Construction of Freight loading bays:  to be operative between 6.00 a.m. and 9.00 p.m. on Monday to Saturdays inclusive, where vehicles may wait for the purpose of loading or unloading for a maximum period of 30 minutes with a prohibition on vehicles returning within 1 hour.

Angel Way, the south-westernmost south-east to north-west arm

(a)       the north-east side, from a point 21.2 metres north-west of the north-western kerb-line of High Street, Romford extending north-westward for a distance of 12.4 metres.

(b)       the south-west side, from a point 6.4 metres south-east of the south-eastern boundary wall of Trinity Methodist Church car park extending south-eastward for a distance of 12.5 metres.

5.         Implementation of waiting and loading restrictions: Waiting & Loading Restrictions operative ‘At Any time’ in Angel Way; the whole street, excluding the lengths which were marked, signed and designated as parking places (inclusive of disabled parking bays) or loading places as shown on drawing no. AGW/01/01 of the report.

6.      That it be noted that the estimated cost for implementation was £49,000 which would be met by Transport for London through the 2015/16 Local Implementation Plan allocations for improving cycle facilities in Romford package.