Agenda and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from the UKIP spokesperson, Councillor Stuart Potter.

There were no declarations of interest.

The purpose of the attached report by the Head of Transport & Environment is to report on the requirements for amending/revoking the MB and MC residents' parking zones in Southsea on an initially temporary basis.

RECOMMENDED:

(1)  That the Portfolio Holder for Traffic & Transportation reconsiders the decision of MB and MC zones based in particular on comments made and issues raised in the Cabinet report of November 2013.

(2)  That should the decision be to change the scheme, the following immediate action is taken to effect changes to the MB and MC residents' parking schemes:

(i)            An Experimental Traffic Regulation Order is implemented to:

            a) revoke the MC zone parking restrictions and;

            b) amend the operating times of MB zone to 8am - 6pm Monday to Friday.

(ii)          That no further action is taken in response to the survey conducted in May 2014 of the areas around MC Zone (to be revoked as part of this recommendation).

Over 215 written representations and emails had been received, including a petition from the lower part of Telephone Road containing 28 signatures, which had been circulated to Councillor Ellcome and the opposition spokespersons, prior to the meeting. On the morning of the meeting, copies of a further 17 emails were circulated.

Nikki Musson, the Operational Transport Planning Officer introduced the report. She explained that the introduction of the MB Orchard Road Area residents' parking zone in November 2011 had had a significant impact on the adjacent roads with displacement parking, whilst around 300 parking spaces were left unused each day. More than 200 unprompted emails and representations were received from residents affected by the MB zone. As a consequence, a survey was undertaken in 2012 but the results were inconclusive. No action was taken but a small majority continued to campaign for a parking scheme or for the MB zone to be removed. A paper was taken to the Cabinet in November 2013 which highlighted concerns from officers regarding displacement issues it could create. In January 2014 the Cabinet agreed for a new residents' parking scheme to be introduced for the area south of the existing MB zone, to be called the MC zone, operating as Permit Holders Only for a 2-hour period per day. This was introduced in April 2014.

Deputations were heard from the following residents, Mr Matt Smart (Jessie Road), Mr Derek Mottershead, Mr Gary Hall (Esslemont Road), Mr Brian McCreesh (Havelock Road), Mr Christian Milne (Ventor Road), Jean Urry (Talbot Road), Mr Philip Wright, Mr James Massiah (Manners Road), Jon Sumpter (Livingstone Road), Mr Anthony Hadley (Delamere Road), Barbara Jones, Mr Hammond, Mr Alan Ellcome and Mr Whiteside who all spoke against and included some of the points listed below in their representations:

·         There is more displacement from the Fratton residents parking zone and over 60% empty spaces in other residents parking zones so why target the MB zone?

·         Residents' survey in 2014 had 25% return rate with 2/3s of the streets wanting residents parking.

·         Cheap shot for political gain with poor arguments put forward to change or revoke the residents parking.

·         The 2-hour residents parking zone goes some way to good working for all so why change?

·         Residents can park near to their homes when they come home from work.

·         Removal of MB and MC makes no sense.

·         Complete disregard to residents views.

·         MB zone caters for all, residents and non-residents.

·         Why do you want parking for residents in the MB zone to go back to being a nightmare?

·         MC zone were promised a full consultation after 12months, not 4.

·         Your concern should be home owners and residents not students and van drivers.

·         Spirit of temporary traffic orders is public consultation so what is so urgent about this matter and why has there been no public consultation?

·         Council claim that it is the number of empty spaces in the zone which needs addressing but other zones have a much higher  ...  view the full minutes text for item 16.

The attached report by the Head of Transport & Environment reports on the requirements to progress the schemes at Osborne Road and Palmerston Road as part of the Southsea Town Centre improvements.

RECOMMENDED

(1)  For the Portfolio Holder for Traffic & Transportation to approve the commencement of works in Osborne Road.

(2)  For the Portfolio Holder for Traffic & Transportation to consider the options presented in this report by officers for Palmerston Road.

(3)  For the Portfolio Holder for Traffic & Transportation to confirm which option is to be taken forward for Palmerston Road.

(4)  To agree relevant TROs associated with preferred option for Palmerston Road.

A further 9 letters and emails of representation had been received and circulated to the cabinet member and opposition spokespersons prior to the meeting.

Marc Griffin, the Assistant Head of Service introduced the report and explained that following the elections in May, the new administration had expressed a wish to reopen Palmerston Road one way, south to north from Villiers Road to Osborne Road. The reasoning behind this is the on-going debate regarding the original consultation and whether the option for opening to one way traffic was included so that consultees could have their say on this aspect. The proposals for Osborne Road would provide an improved connectivity for walking, cycling and public transport and had been modified so as to address concerns raised by consultees. There were 2 options proposed for Palmerston Road. One to reopen to one way traffic with a left turn only and the other to remain as it is with the installation of gates.

Deputations were heard from the following people;

Mr Stuart Crow, Clarendon Road.

·         Residents in Lennox Road South have suffered traffic displacement causing problems.

·         Why was the blockage for emergency services from Southsea to the seafront put in in the first place?

·         Portsmouth is in competition from other cities, why would you block off a major artery?

·         Traders would much rather have a one-way south bound.

·         Why do we need 2 bus stops?

·         Why move the siting of the zebra crossing?

·         Night-time economy and crime statistics have changed since the opening of Gunwharf.

·         Pie chart within the report is based on inadequate data.

·         There is no mandate for any of the options.

·         Should have a proper consultation.

Mr Jon Spencer, on behalf of the Portsmouth Cycle Forum

·         The PCF supports schemes which make Portsmouth a better place to work and socially mix, particularly if there is a reduction in traffic.

·         Would like the decision to be satisfactory for all users.

·         Hope whatever decision is taken that it is reviewed regularly.

·         With option 1, is cycling band?

·         Would question the urgency of this.

·         Portsmouth has highest number of accidents involving cyclists.

Sophie Curtis, manager of Pre-loved, Palmerston Road

·         Vibrancy and excitement of the area has gone.

·         Had loss in business from lack of passing trade.

Kelli Wall, manager of Drift Bar, Palmerston Road

·         Palmerston Road has seen a decrease in crime and anti-social behaviour.

·         Precinct provides a safer and cleaner environment for members of the public.

·         If the precinct was properly pedestrianized it would encourage street markets, artists and a café culture.

·         A small number of businesses want the street returned to how it used to be so they can receive deliveries at any time.

Councillor Linda Symes read out a deputation on behalf of Mr Mohammed who was due to speak but had to leave the meeting.

·         Opened our business in 1973 and built it up from all over the city.

·         As soon as Palmerston Road closed takings have dropped.

·         Many items sold in bulk but there is nowhere for  ...  view the full minutes text for item 17.

The attached report by the Head of Transport & Environment reviews the outcome of the consultation results for the proposed option for traffic calming within Henderson Road and seeks to confirm the way forward.

RECOMMENDED

(1)              That the consultation survey results are submitted to the Portfolio Holder for Traffic & Transportation, Opposition Councillors and ward Councillors to confirm that following consideration a safety improvement scheme will not be implemented immediately.

(2)              That the decision to implement a safety scheme in Henderson Road is deferred for this Traffic and Transportation meeting due to the varied responses received from the residents on the options provided and which will need further discussion between Officers, the Portfolio Holder for Traffic & Transportation and Ward Councillors.

(3)              That Option 5, keep as existing, is maintained at Henderson Road but 2.2 above is completed immediately to provide a hybrid safety option proposed based on:

A)   The total results received from the public votes to implement one of 4 of the options for a safety scheme which exceeds the do nothing option.

B)   The expectations that have been raised to the residents following the detailed consultation that has occurred to date.

C)   The problem with a small amount of vehicles driving at excessive speeds in the road. 

(4)              That the entrances at both eastern and western ends of Henderson road are reviewed and improvements identified to coincide with a hybrid safety option to reduce traffic speeds. These designs will be based on the designs already submitted to residents within the area for consultation purposes

(5)              That the relocation of the existing signage is considered to improve visibility of the implemented speed restrictions within Henderson Road and consideration is given to provide more prominent placing of 20mph speed roundels on the carriageway surface at the entrances for Henderson Road.

Tracey Shepherd, a Traffic Engineer, introduced the report and explained that following the public consultation regarding a traffic calming scheme for Henderson Road, a return of 32% of completed forms had been received. Due to the number of responses who opted for the existing layout to remain unchanged, a scheme will not be implemented at this stage. However a high number of responses were received who were in favour of safety options.

Deputations were heard from Doreen Stevenson (a resident of Henderson Road) and Pam Wilkie (a resident of Henderson Road and a member of the Portsmouth Cycle Forum) who included the following points in their representations;

·         Henderson Road may be wide but this means drivers often take advantage.

·         There has been an increase in the number of lorries using the road due to the satnav changes.

·         Noise from speeding traffic is immense.

·         Most traffic exceeds 20mph.

·         The description of the road humps in the consultation was misleading as most residents thought they referred to the old small ones. It wasn't until we went to the meeting at the community centre that this was explained in more detail.

·         Vehicle activated signs don't work as drivers know there is no penalty.

·         Speedwatch launched by central government could be something we could tap in to.

·         Traffic speeds into Henderson Road from Bransbury Road.

·         Something needs to be done to stop the speeding traffic.

·         Police are often out with the speed gun but not often enough.

A deputation was also heard from ward Councillor Matthew Winnington who included the following points in his representations;

·         This issue has been going for a very long time, over 5 years since I have been campaigning.

·         77% of the residents want something done.

·         Would ask you take agree to the tables and the hybrids.

Councillor Lynne Stagg commented that some years ago the vehicle activated signs were actually put in in Henderson Road but the 'young people' tried to beat the signs so it had the opposite effect. She felt that raised tables were a much better solution.

DECISION: Councillor Ellcome agreed that a hybrid safety scheme be drawn up to improve traffic calming in Henderson Road, in consultation with the ward councillors and local residents. He also agreed to relocate the existing 20mph signage.