Agenda item

To consider a report of the Service Director (Place Management)

The report provides an opportunity for the Area Committee to comment on the draft strategy for parking.

The Area is recommended to comment on the draft strategy.

Officer Contact: Sue Stevenson on Tel: 474 4351 or email: sue.stevenson@stockport.gov.uk

A representative of the Service Director (Place Management) submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) requesting the Area Committee to comment on the draft strategy for parking which was currently being consulted on.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         The consultation period had been extended to 25 November 2011 and Councillors and members of the public could complete an online questionnaire on the Council’s website.

·         Reddish had lower levels of available parking than other district centres but this was mitigated somewhat by the parking available at Morrisons.

·         It was suggested that the Residents Permit Parking Scheme at Houldsworth Square should be relaxed during the day to allow shoppers to park in the area.

·         Concern was raised in respect to the maintenance of bushes in the vicinity of car parks and the potential threat this caused to people using the cars parks.

·         It was suggested that Stockport should follow the lead of other Local Authorities and allow parking for free in the Town Centre.

·         The on-going initiatives between Traffic Services and Greater Manchester Police to address problems of illegal parking at schools during school pick up and drop off was welcomed and Councillors suggested that this should continue to be considered as a top priority. Councillors welcomed further feedback to a future meeting on this initiative.

·         Councillors requested further clarification in respect to enforcement against HGV’s parking on the road for long periods of time.

·         Clarification was provided in respect to which body was responsible for enforcing against cars parking illegally on pavements or obstructing the highway.

·         There was unanimous agreement that enforcement should be considered a top priority.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and the comments above be considered as part of the review.