Agenda and minutes

There were no apologies.

There were no declarations made.

Purpose

To consider the responses to the formal public consultation on proposals contained within this Traffic Regulation Order; a statutory requirement whenever objections are received to advertised proposals.

Recommendation

That the proposal within this order is approved as formally advertised.

Nikki Musson, Operational Transport Planning Officer, introduced the report and explained that in October 2013 a petition was received from 12 of the 13 residents of Coniston Avenue requesting that the 2-hour free parking period be removed and for the avenue to become ‘HB Permit Holders Only’. Public consultation for the proposed change took place and one objection was received from the Churchwarden of the adjacent church premises (St Alban’s Church), requesting that some short time parking is required for funerals and weddings.

       Councillor Ken Ellcome expressed his disapproval at the proposal and felt that this order would just displace the problem elsewhere into neighbouring roads which is unfair. Coniston Avenue is a public highway maintained at public expense and should not be any different to any other road in the city.

       Councillor Sanders was observing from the public gallery and as he is ward councillor for Baffins, Councillor Fazackarley invited him to the table to give his views on the issue.

       Councillor Sanders explained that Coniston Avenue is a very small narrow road with some of the 13 houses having off street parking. He felt that the church users weren’t the problem and that it was the youth club. He urged Councillor Fazackarley to support the residents request and felt that the surrounding roads could easily accommodate the church users.

DECISION: The Cabinet Member approved the proposal to amend the existing order as advertised.

Purpose

To seek member authority to implement further enforcement cameras at bus lanes and bus gates.

Recommendation that the Cabinet Member for Traffic and Transportation approve the purchase and use of a camera enforcement system for all appropriate bus lanes and bus gates, and that this be funded from the On Street revenue budget.

Michael Robinson, the Parking Manager, introduced the report and explained that to ensure that bus services maintain a quick and consistent journey in Portsmouth it is essential that the bus lanes are kept free. It is proposed to install a semi-static camera enforcement system where it is perceived that high non-compliance occurs.

       Councillors Ken Ellcome and Jim Patey both expressed their support for this proposal.

       DECISION: Councillor Fazackarley approved the purchase and use of semi-static camera enforcement system for all appropriate bus lanes and bus gates.

Purpose

To consider the responses to the public consultation regarding the proposals to implement traffic calming within Battenburg Avenue.

Recommendations

1.    That Option 1, consisting of four sets of two speed cushions from the bend east of Kearsney avenue to just east of the Cliffdale Primary School within Battenburg Avenue, is considered for implementation.

2.    That a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) is made and advertised regarding the proposed installation of traffic calming within Battenburg Avenue.

Amber Kerens-Bathmaker, the Road Safety and Sustainable Transport Officer, introduced the report and explained that installing speed cushions would decrease traffic speeds within Battenburg Avenue and improve road safety.

       Written representations had been received from Hilsea ward Councillor Alistair Thompson in support of the proposal, which had been circulated to members and officers prior to, and at, the meeting.

       Councillors Ken Ellcome and Jim Patey both expressed their support for this proposal as ward councillors were in support and the proposals would go towards good road safety measures.

       DECISION: Councillor Fazackarley approved Option 1, consisting of four sets of two speed cushions from the bend east of Kearsney Avenue to just east of the Cliffdale Primary School within Battenburg Avenue, for implementation and agreed that a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) is made and advertised regarding the proposed installation of traffic calming in Battenburg Avenue.

Purpose

To consider the proposed options for traffic calming within Henderson Road and submit the options for public consideration and consultation.

Recommendations

1.    That Options 1, 2, 4 and 'Do Nothing' are submitted to residents for consideration for implementation within Henderson Road.

2.    That once the consultation has been completed, the results are submitted to the Traffic and Transportation Cabinet Member decision meeting for consideration for implementation.

Tracey Shepherd, Traffic Engineer, introduced the report and explained that Henderson Road is very wide in places and because of the length of the road there are issues with speeding traffic. Following a request from ward councillors, local residents will be canvassed to seek their views on a number of traffic calming measures.

       A deputation was heard from Eastney and Craneswater ward Councillor Luke Stubbs who explained that he does receive complaints of speeding traffic in Henderson Road. He asked if Vehicle Activated Signs could also be considered as people do observe these signs and tend to slow down. He also requested that the four cul-de-sac roads and the two one-way roads be consulted.

       Councillor Ken Ellcome referred to a residential area in Portchester which has build-outs and coloured pavements as part of an initiative for traffic calming, which he felt was very effective and has also improved the environment. Councillor Fazackarley suggested that a site visit be arranged to view this area, off of White Hart Road.

       DECISION: Councillor Fazackarley approved Options 1, 2, 4 and ‘Do Nothing’ for submission to residents for consideration for implementation within Henderson Road and requested an Option 5 to also be considered for the implementation of Vehicle Activated Signs.

       The Cabinet Member also requested that Ringwood, Fordingbridge, Minstead, Gritanwood and Cabnam Roads, Lidiard Gardens, Dunn Close and Tamarisk Close be consulted and that once the consultation has been completed, the results are submitted to a future Traffic and Transportation portfolio decision meeting for consideration for implementation.

Purpose

The purpose of this report is to reaffirm the approach to be taken by the City Council when acting as the local highway authority when giving highway comments with regard to planning applications to create individual private accesses to roads forming part of the strategic road network and the specific approach to be taken to applications for footway crossings in Goldsmith Avenue.

Recommendations

1.    That the Local Highway Authority continues to operate a policy to resist the formation of private vehicular accesses to the Strategic Road Network in principle in order to protect the integrity and functionality of the SRN and promote the safety of all road users. There is a Saved Policy (DC26) from the previous Local Plan (2001-2011)

2.    That the Local Highway Authority depart from policy in respect of the section of Goldsmith Avenue east of the junction with Ruskin Road  where it is likely that no highway objection will be raised in principle to planning applications seeking permission to form individual private vehicular accesses subject to there being no over-riding highway safety concerns.

Pam Turton, Assistant Head of Transport and Environment, introduced the report and explained that the Highway Authority will continue to support the approach to create individual private accesses onto the strategic highway network.

       Councillor Ken Ellcome sought clarification that all houses in Goldsmith Avenue are included and not just some. Claire Upton-Brown, the City Development Manager explained that each application would be looked at on a case by case basis, looking at the planning policy and all evidence. Any application will also have to ensure that the surface of the proposed forecourt would be of a permeable material so as to ensure there would be no surface water run-off.

       DECISION: Councillor Fazackarley agreed that the Local Highway Authority continues to operate a policy to resist the formation of private vehicular accesses to the Strategic Road Network in principle in order to protect the integrity and functionality of the SRN and promote the safety of all road users. There is a Saved Policy (DC26) from the previous Local Plan (2001-2011).

       The Cabinet Member also agreed that the Local Highway Authority depart from policy in respect of the section of Goldsmith Avenue both sides of the junction with Ruskin Road where it is likely that no highway objection will be raised in principle to planning applications seeking permission to form individual private vehicular accesses subject to there being no over-riding highway safety concerns.

Purpose

To approve the details of the proposal for consultation and implementation.

Recommendations

·         The proposals concerning Southsea Town Centre (Osborne Road, Palmerston Road) as contained within this report and shown in the drawing numbered HW1817/002/AQ are approved for consultation and implementation.

Bruce Bolton, Project Manager, introduced the report and explained that the proposals have been the subject of extensive consultation and have been modified to address a substantial number of the concerns raised by consultees. The scheme will provide an improved and enhanced street scene for pedestrians and cyclists.

       Deputations were heard from Mr Peter Cairns and Marie Jenkins (Regional Campaigns Officer, RNIB) both objecting to the proposals who included the following points in their representations; bus stops should be moved further along Clarendon Road, queues at bus stops create major issues for visually impaired, concerned about the crossing points in Osborne Road, kerb design is not suitable for long cane users and guide dog users and they will have insufficient information to make safe judgements, visually impaired will be facing a worse situation than before, this proposal creates more hazards.

       A deputation was also heard from Councillor Hugh Mason who proposed a number of amendments, which have the support of the other ward Councillors Andrewes and Eddis. Councillor Hall, the Cabinet Member for Planning, Regeneration and Economic Development also supports these amendments.

·           Osborne Road - 'the seating outside Debenhams will be retained and improved.' The reason for this addition is that the present seating is much appreciated and it provides relief from standing for a wide variety of people waiting there for the bus.

·           Osborne Road - 'signage welcoming people to Southsea Shopping will be placed at an appropriate location at the western end  of Osborne Road at its junction with Duisburg Way; the signage being to a design which is used throughout Southsea'. The reason for this addition is to encourage tourists and passing trade to use the shopping centre.

·           Palmerston Road - 'the barriers will be designed to a high standard and will be constructed by a local craftsman'. The reason for this addition is that the area deserves better than purely functional steel gates. The gates which have been designed for some of our local educational establishments have been of a high standard and have attracted favourable comment. Palmerston Road deserves no less.

·           Palmerston Road - 'renovation of stone planters and the planting of vegetation suitable for the environment of Palmerston Road'. The reason for this amendment is that the decorative vegetation which is in the planters at present has not prevented their use as ashtrays and litter receptacles.

·           The deletion of the one way working in Palmerston Road. One way working in Palmerston Road would lead to an unacceptable use of minor roads for access by heavy vehicles.

·           Clarendon Road - 'the bus stop immediately to the east of the repositioned zebra crossing to be removed and replaced with a loading and unloading bay with a 20 minute waiting time. The reasons for this amendment are that a) the 43 metre bus stop to the west of the zebra crossing is more than adequate for the service level, b) people wishing to travel to the city centre will not have to guess which  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

Councillor Fazackarley wished to record that this was Councillor Patey's last Traffic and Transportation meeting as he was due to stand down as a councillor in May. He thanked Councillor Patey for all his hard work and input and wished him well in his retirement.