Issue - meetings

To consider the advertisement of changes to the Traffic Regulations Order (TRO) as requested by members of the public, councillors and council officers.

The Traffic Management Team Leader presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'H' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

Member comments in relation to the proposals included:

• These reports should explain why the changes are needed.
• The majority of people liked the idea of being able to park outside their homes, but this was not a right.
• Pleased that a number of these proposals were now coming forward to resolve historic difficulties.
• Would like to see parking meters with an option for cash payments as not all residents had access to smart phones and there was a need to think of payment options across the borough.
• One of the key benefits of introducing restrictions was that it could help encourage modal shift.
• Need to ensure that app parking methods are charging the appropriate seasonal rates where appropriate.
• Need to review requests and ensure that they’re in the public interest, not just in the interest of a couple of residents.

Officers responded to comments and requests for clarification, details included:

• The measures detailed at items 6 and 8 were being reinstated because the roads in question were close to the seafront in Southbourne which were often congested during the summer months due to seasonal visitors trying to avoid parking charges. The previous seasonal restriction had previously been removed a couple of years ago, but residents were now requesting its reinstatement.
• There needed to be balance when implementing restrictions to parking due to the displacement that often occurred as a result.
• Ward councillors would be consulted on proposals as a matter of course in the future, this was not currently always the case.
• Would like to see parking meters with an option for cash. Comes back to strategic car parking review.
• The proposals along the Broadway which would use PayByPhone were a cheap and efficient to administer option and, despite many concerns, a smartphone was not required because it was possible to call and use the automated phone system. There was the option for visitors to use the nearby car park which accepted credit/debit card payments as well as PayByPhone.
• Officers were working with the Portfolio Holder to review the TRO process including the scheme of delegation, there was a need to harmonise processes across the conurbation.