Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing

The report sets out a proposal to introduce a policy to guide the Council’s use of fixed and mobile enforcement cameras for the enforcement of moving traffic regulations. The Cabinet, when agreeing to the Policy, would also be asked to delegate authority to commence the civil enforcement of Bus Lane contraventions throughout Stockport; formalise existing Parking Enforcement procedures within an approved policy ensuring a consistent and transparent approach; and agree to commence camera enforcement of existing parking restriction outside schools (zigzags) and at bus stops.

The Cabinet is invited to:-

·         request Officers commence actively enforcing bus lane and eligible parking contraventions throughout Stockport using approved fixed and mobile cameras.

·         approve the Bus Lane Enforcement Policy at Appendix 1 to the report.

·         approve the Parking Enforcement Policy at Appendix 2 to the report.

·         request Officers provide a report back to the Communities and Housing Scrutiny Committee after the initial six months’ period of active bus lane enforcement.

Officer Contact: Mark Glynn on 0161 474 3700 or email: mark.glynn@stockport.gov.uk

The Cabinet Member for Communities & Housing submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) inviting the Cabinet to consider a proposal for a policy to guide the Council’s use of fixed and mobile cameras for the enforcement of traffic regulation orders, that would also formalise existing enforcement procedures, and to authorise camera enforcement of existing parking restrictions outside schools and bus stops.

The Cabinet Member emphasised that the purpose of the proposals was to encourage better behaviour and parking habits from motorists, particularly around schools.

The Cabinet Member for Education welcomed the proposals and emphasised the commitment from the Cabinet to protecting young people.

RESOLVED – That in relation to Parking and Mobile Enforcement:-

·         the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be authorised to commence actively enforcing bus lane and eligible parking contraventions throughout Stockport using approved fixed and mobile cameras;

·         the Bus Lane Enforcement Policy detailed at Appendix 1 of the report be approved;

·         the Parking Enforcement Policy detailed at Appendix 2 of the report be approved;

·         the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration be requested to report back to the Communities & Housing Scrutiny Committee after the initial 6 month period of active bus lane enforcement.

To consider a report of the Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration.

The report sets out a proposal to introduce a policy to guide the Council’s use of fixed and mobile enforcement cameras for the enforcement of moving traffic regulations. The Cabinet, when agreeing to the Policy, would also be asked to delegated authority to commence the civil enforcement of Bus Lane contraventions throughout Stockport; formalise existing Parking Enforcement procedures within an approved policy ensuring a consistent and transparent approach; and agree to commence camera enforcement of existing parking restriction outside schools (zigzags) and at bus stops.

The Scrutiny Committee is invited to comment on the report.

Officer contact: Mark Glynn on 0161 474 3700 or email: mark.glynn@stockport.gov.uk

The Corporate Director for Place Management & Regeneration submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) setting out a proposal to introduce a policy to guide the Council’s use of fixed and mobile enforcement cameras for the enforcement of moving traffic regulations. The Cabinet, when agreeing to the Policy, would also be asked to delegated authority to commence the civil enforcement of Bus Lane contraventions throughout Stockport; formalise existing parking enforcement procedures within an approved policy ensuring a consistent and transparent approach; and agree to commence camera enforcement of existing parking restriction outside schools (zigzags) and at bus stops.

The Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing (Councillor Sheila Bailey) attended the meeting to present the report and respond to councillors’ questions.

The following comments were made/ issues raised:-

·         It was commented that the hours of operation of bus lanes needed to be consistent across the Borough.

·         Bus Lane signage needed to be appropriately maintained to ensure that the restrictions were enforceable.

·         Concern was expressed in relation to the siting of existing bus lane enforcement cameras elsewhere in Greater Manchester which in some cases had been located in places where motorists could be unfairly penalised for encroaching into a Bus Lane.

·         It was explained that the traffic camera used at schools would be mobile.  However, it would not be possible under current regulations for the camera to be covert and the vehicle would be clearly marked as a mobile enforcement vehicle.  It was further reported that the mobile enforcement vehicle could only be used to monitor parking on the white ‘School Keep Clear’ zigzags.

·         A report would be submitted to a future meeting of the Scrutiny Committee to monitor the success of the use of the mobile enforcement vehicle.

·         It was commented that the ‘walking bus’ initiative had proven to be an effective way to mitigate problems associated with parking near schools.

·         It was suggested that a course could be developed which explained the dangers associated with parking near schools as an alternative to the imposition of penalty charge notices.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.