Agenda, decisions and draft minutes

There were no apologies for absence.

Councillor Graham Heaney declared that he is employed by the University of Portsmouth but that this is non-pecuniary regarding the reports at this meeting, in which mention is made of the university.

The deputations are not minuted in full but can be viewed as part of the livestream/webcast of the meeting here:

https://livestream.com/accounts/14063785/Cabinet-TT-11Jul2019

The report by the Director of Regeneration is to consider the public responses to proposed parking restrictions in a number of locations in Portsmouth and to decide whether to implement the proposals.  Objections were received to 4 of the 25 proposals within TRO 18/2019, and therefore a report to the Cabinet Member is required, for decision to be made at a public meeting.

RECOMMENDED that:

(1)       The 12-metre length of DYL in Cobden Avenue outside odd Nos.49-53 is not removed as proposed, and therefore remains in place;

(2)       The 16 metres of DYL proposed at the western dead end of Holland Road are not installed;

(3)       As proposed, DYL are installed on the south side of Dryden Avenue, the existing disabled bays are relocated to the north side and the proposed disabled bay is installed on the north side, with white line markings applied in front of the steps on the north side;

(4)       As proposed, DYL are reinstated in place of the 23-metre single yellow line in Winter Road between Wimborne Road and Evans Road.

The Cabinet Member agreed that in implementing TRO 18b/2019:

1)         The 12-metre length of DYL in Cobden Avenue outside odd Nos.49-53 is not removed as proposed, and therefore remains in place;

(2)       The 16 metres of DYL proposed at the western dead end of Holland Road are not installed;

(3)       As proposed, DYL are installed on the south side of Dryden Avenue, the existing disabled bays are relocated to the north side and the proposed disabled bay is installed on the north side, with white line markings applied in front of the steps on the north side;

(4)       As proposed, DYL are reinstated in place of the 23-metre single yellow line in Winter Road between Wimborne Road and Evans Road.

Kevin McKee, Parking Manager, presented his report and the recommendations which he felt reflected the wishes of local residents.

There were no comments raised by the Opposition Members and Councillor Stagg was happy to agree the recommendations.

DECISIONS:

The Cabinet Member agreed that in implementing TRO 18b/2019:

1)         The 12-metre length of DYL in Cobden Avenue outside odd Nos.49-53 is not removed as proposed, and therefore remains in place;

(2)       The 16 metres of DYL proposed at the western dead end of Holland Road are not installed;

(3)       As proposed, DYL are installed on the south side of Dryden Avenue, the existing disabled bays are relocated to the north side and the proposed disabled bay is installed on the north side, with white line markings applied in front of the steps on the north side;

(4)       As proposed, DYL are reinstated in place of the 23-metre single yellow line in Winter Road between Wimborne Road and Evans Road.

The purpose of the report by the Director of Regeneration is to consider the public responses to proposed parking restrictions in a number of locations in Portsmouth and to decide whether to implement the proposals.  Objections were received to 3 of the 16 proposals within TRO 57/2019, and therefore a report to the Cabinet Member is required, for decision to be made at a public meeting.

RECOMMENDED that:

(1)  The 11-metre length of DYL in Martin Road in front of the shared driveway and No.55 is not removed as proposed, and therefore remains in place;

(2)  The 34 metres of DYL proposed on one side of Maidford Grove are installed;

(3)  Of the 67 metres of DYL proposed in Watermead Road, only the following are installed:

      (a)       West side, a 5m length both north and south of the junction with Sandpipers;

      (b)       East side, 8m of the proposed 38m is installed northwards from No.1.

The Cabinet Member agreed that in implementing TRO 57/2019:

(1)       The 11-metre length of DYL in Martin Road in front of the shared driveway and No.55 is not removed as proposed, and therefore remains in place;

(2)       The 34 metres of DYL proposed on one side of Maidford Grove are installed;

(3)  Of the 67 metres of DYL proposed in Watermead Road, only the following are installed:

            (a)       West side, a 5m length both north and south of the junction with Sandpipers;

            (b)       East side, 8m of the proposed 38m is installed northwards from No.1.

(The success of the Watermead Road parking arrangements/restrictions would be subject to a later review.)

Kevin McKee, Parking Manager, presented his report and the recommendations which reflected the feedback from local residents.

A deputation was made by Mr White of Watermead Road who outlined problems parking in the road with some being across driveways, and he spoke for neighbours who were also concerned and wanted the implementation of DYLs to give safe access/egress.

Councillor Bosher was aware of parking problems in this part of his ward and believed that the proposals sought to address this.   Councillor Stagg, as Cabinet Member, supported the proposed method to seek alleviation and asked  if the restrictions could be reviewed at a later date.  Nikki Musson, Senior Transport Planner, confirmed that parking restrictions can always be reviewed if necessary and changes made.

DECISIONS:

The Cabinet Member agreed that in implementing TRO 57/2019:

(1)       The 11-metre length of DYL in Martin Road in front of the shared driveway and No.55 is not removed as proposed, and therefore remains in place;

(2)       The 34 metres of DYL proposed on one side of Maidford Grove are installed;

(3)  Of the 67 metres of DYL proposed in Watermead Road*, only the following are installed:

            (a)       West side, a 5m length both north and south of the junction with Sandpipers;

            (b)       East side, 8m of the proposed 38m is installed northwards from No.1.

(*The success of the Watermead Road parking arrangements/restrictions would be subject to review if necessary.)

The purpose of the report by the Director of Regeneration is to consider the public responses to the consultation regarding proposals to implement speed cushions on Locksway Road.

RECOMMENDED that the Cabinet Member for Traffic and Transportation approves the installation of speed cushions along Locksway Road as set out in Appendix 1 of the report. 

The Cabinet Member for Traffic and Transportation approved the installation of speed cushions along Locksway Road (as set out in Appendix 1 of the report). 

Michelle Love, Safer Travel Manager, presented her report and set out the background to the traffic calming measures.   Data for Locksway Road traffic indicated an average speed of 29mph in a 20mph zone, causing accidents, so the scheme had been consulted upon and the report set out the comments made in objection.

Councillor Stagg was very familiar with this road and knew that the police would not be able to constantly enforce the speed restriction but took part in educational campaigns with drivers.

Councillor Heaney asked about consultation with the emergency services on the speed bumps and it was confirmed that they had been and the style used was rubberised and were not the full width of the road. Councillor Bosher also asked about the effectiveness of these bumps that had some give; the speed humps were constructed in accordance with the Highways (Road Humps) Regulations 1999 and were also used elsewhere in the city.

Councillor Stagg asked about the safety margin for cyclists.  She welcomed these safety measures which were also visual deterrents to speeding.

DECISION:

The Cabinet Member for Traffic and Transportation approved the installation of speed cushions along Locksway Road (as set out in Appendix 1 of the report). 

To consider the responses to the public consultation regarding the proposals to implement a zebra crossing and associated traffic calming facilities outside Craneswater School on Albert Road.

RECOMMENDED that the Cabinet Member for Traffic and Transportation approves the implementation of the zebra crossing and associated traffic calming adjacent to Craneswater School within Albert Road.

The Cabinet Member for Traffic and Transportation approved the implementation of the zebra crossing and associated traffic calming adjacent to Craneswater School within Albert Road.

Michelle Love, Safer Travel Manager, presented her report and explained the background to the proposal for the zebra crossing to assist pupils crossing to and from Craneswater Junior School due to the newly sited reception area. The report set out the responses to the consultation.

Councillor Luke Stubbs spoke as a ward councillor who broadly welcomed the proposal which was needed for the expanded school but wanted to raise some questions regarding the connections of the cycle lanes and the need for cycle storage, and how there would be visibility of the crossing.  Michelle Love responded that the drawings were not at the final stage and that the cycle lane would stop at the crossing and continue after it.  Councillor Stagg asked that the final plans be made available to the relevant members including ward councillors.

Councillor Bosher supported the proposal which had been requested by the Craneswater School Council.  Councillor Heaney also supported the scheme. Councillor Stagg welcomed the safety measures and asked officers to look into points raised regarding a zebra crossing at Kimberley Road.

DECISION:

The Cabinet Member for Traffic and Transportation approved the implementation of the zebra crossing and associated traffic calming adjacent to Craneswater School within Albert Road.

This is an information report on the development of the Air Quality Local Plan.

The Cabinet Member for Traffic & Transportation is asked to note the report.

This information report was noted, and is not subject to call-in.

Hayley Trower, Air Quality Lead for Transport, presented this update report; the outline business case needed to be submitted to the government by 31 October 2019.

Councillor Heaney commented on the best way to avoid an imposed charging zone was by changing people's habits through incentives.

In response to members' questions it was reported that automatic vehicle number plate recognition had been used to survey movements and destinations so that there was knowledge of the local fleet, the high level of local trips and the biggest problem was diesel vehicles. More research was being conducted to investigate how drivers would respond if they were charged and asking for ideas of how this could be mitigated to help local residents.

Councillor Stagg reiterated the concern that low income families would be most impacted and lobbying was taking place as well as educational campaigns to stop idling by motorists.

Councillor Bosher queried why a report was being brought here as well as reports going to full Cabinet; Pam Turton Assistant Director Transport responded that this had cross portfolio issues feeding into the Climate Change agenda but this particular report focussed on transport (with 50% of the problem being attributable to vehicular activity).  The Air Quality Board was chaired by the Director of Public Health and included other departments such as the port, housing, regeneration etc.  Councillor Bosher also asked about the 7 day monitoring taking place on Portsea Island and it was reported that some of the sites were off the island.  He also asked how mitigation for those "off island" would be considered? It was reported that this was part of the survey and experiences of other cities with Clean Air Zones were being studied by consultants to see how the transition took place.  Further reports would be brought back to the appropriate body.

This information report was noted.

The report by the Director of Regeneration responds to the consultation on the draft proposal to government for the establishment of a sub national transport body in the southeast: Transport for the South East (TfSE).

RECOMMENDED

It is recommended that the Cabinet Member:

(1) Welcomes the draft proposal to establish a sub national transport body (STB) for the South East, to be known as Transport for the South East (TfSE);

(2) Approves the attached consultation response for submission to TfSE.

The Cabinet Member:

(1)  Welcomed the draft proposal to establish a sub national transport body (STB) for the South East, to be known as Transport for the South East (TfSE);

(2) Approved the attached consultation response for submission to TfSE.

Pam Turton, Assistant Director Transport, presented her report.

Councillor Bosher questioned the value of the membership at £30k a year as in his previous experience he had found this sub regional group focused on the east of its area at the expense of Hampshire and Sussex.  Councillor Stagg agreed that the voice of Portsmouth, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight needed to be heard to ensure connectivity throughout the whole sub-region.  Pam Turton reported that the voting structure had been amended so that Portsmouth and Southampton now each have a vote each (it was previously a joint membership vote).  She also reported that the government had shown a funding commitment to Transport for the South East and this membership would be important to take advantage of future allocations.  Councillor Stagg agreed that there was a need to ensure visibility and Portsmouth had already been shortlisted for funding.

DECISIONS the Cabinet Member:

(1)  Welcomed the draft proposal to establish a sub national transport body (STB) for the South East, to be known as Transport for the South East (TfSE);

(2) Approved the attached consultation response for submission to TfSE.

The purpose of the report by the Director of Regeneration is to provide an update on the success of the Portsmouth City Council's tranche 1 bid to the Department for Transport’s (DfT) Transforming Cities Fund, and on the submission of draft Strategic Outline Business Case (SOBC) for tranche 2, in partnership with Hampshire County Council and the Isle of Wight Council.

RECOMMENDED:

(1)  That the success and progress of the tranche 1 Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) bid for Portsmouth and the South East Hampshire city region is noted;

(2)  That the proposed candidate infrastructure projects, outlined in section 3.14, are endorsed, and are developed further for consideration within Strategic Outline Business Case for Tranche 2 Transforming Cities Fund for Portsmouth and South East Hampshire city region.

The Cabinet Member agreed that:

(1)       That the success and progress of the tranche 1 Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) bid for Portsmouth and the South East Hampshire city region be noted;

(2)       That the proposed candidate infrastructure projects, outlined in section 3.14, are endorsed, and are developed further for consideration within Strategic Outline Business Case for Tranche 2 Transforming Cities Fund for Portsmouth and South East Hampshire city region.

Pam Turton, Assistant Director Transport, presented her report, outlining the bids being made and being accepted and she reported that since writing the report there had also been success in being shortlisted with Solent Transport for the Future Mobility Fund.

Councillor Heaney asked about the bidding process and Councillor Bosher congratulated the transport officers involved.

Councillor Stagg was delighted by this progress and hoped that all councillors could be briefed and also recognised the hard work taking place by the officers. The support from public transport operators also helped to strengthen these bids for the benefit of residents.

DECISIONS - The Cabinet Member agreed that:

(1)       That the success and progress of the tranche 1 Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) bid for Portsmouth and the South East Hampshire city region be noted;

(2)       That the proposed candidate infrastructure projects, outlined in section 3.14, are endorsed, and are developed further for consideration within Strategic Outline Business Case for Tranche 2 Transforming Cities Fund for Portsmouth and South East Hampshire city region.

The purpose of the report by the Director of Regeneration is to recommend ways of improving the residents' parking scheme to; encourage  the use of cars with lower emissions, encourage car sharing, discourage students from bringing cars to the city, make it easier for residents living  near Residents Parking Zone boundary (RPZ) and to reduce displacement.

RECOMMENDED:

(1)  That the following variations to the Portsmouth City Council (Various Roads) Residents Parking Places) (No. 9) Consolidation Order 2016 are advertised and any objections considered at a future Traffic and Transport Decision meeting:

      (i)         The eligibility for permits is changed to exclude student halls of residents.

      (ii)        The procedure for issuing permits is changed to allow car sharing between people living in different zones by permitting the same vehicle to be issued with a permit for more than one zone.

(2)   That the following variations to the charge for the issue of Parking Permits be advertised under the statutory notice procedure:  

      (i)         The charges for permits are changed to allow households with one vehicle powered solely by electricity to obtain a permit free of charge and to reduce the charge for permits for those who have one vehicle which emits less than 100g of CO2 per Km for obtain permits to £15.

      (ii)        The cost of third permits to be reduced to £300.

A decision on this report was deferred so that the report could be reviewed and brought back to the next meeting on 8 August 2019.

Kevin McKee, Parking Manager, presented his report which sought to make improvements to the administration of Residents' Parking Zones (RPZs) and to tidy the anomaly regarding the treatment of university halls of residents (approximately 17 permits had been issued to registered students in halls). The other recommendations were to make changes to the way people sharing cars applied for permits and to reduce the cost of the third permit (due to reports of displacement parking). The report also addressed the issue of overlapping or "fuzzy" boundaries to help ease problems in areas of high demand.

A deputation was made by Councillor Terry Norton raising objections to a piecemeal approach to residents' parking zones and referring to the MD RPZ scheme.

Councillor Heaney commented on the MD report going to full Cabinet, which he had attended, and raised questions on the proposed changes to the permit allocation and the "fuzzy boundaries", for which the Parking Manager explained use of the bays near the edges of the areas to allow flexibility for the adjacent schemes.

Councillor Bosher raised several questions including the targeting of students halls of residence rather than the issue of students living in the community bringing cars; Pam Turton, Assistant Director Transport, responded that it was not proposed to limit first permits to certain sectors of the community.  The Parking Manager's proposals were coming to the Cabinet Member before a Traffic Regulation Order would be prepared for further consultation (including with the University of Portsmouth). Councillor Bosher was disappointed by the delay in bringing forward the resolution to the legal issue identified on student residency, which had been identified last year during the Traffic, Environment & Community Safety Scrutiny Panel's review on parking.  Councillor Bosher also raised concerns regarding the wording of the recommendations being open to interpretation.  The Parking Manager had sought legal advice on the recommendations and there would be further clarification through the Traffic Regulation Order consultation process.

Councillor Stagg wanted to ensure an open process so agreed that the report could be revisited at her next meeting to ensure clarity.

A decision on this report was deferred so that the report could be reviewed and brought back to the next meeting.