Agenda item

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

The report summarises the results of the consultation carried out in March 2011 with the residents and motorists on proposals for traffic management measures on Dialstone Lane.

The report also proposes the implementation of a number of these measures, the details of which are set out in the report.

Large scale drawings and maps will be available at the meeting.

The Ward Committee is invited to consider the report, the views contained within it and any further issues raised at the meeting and to make a recommendation to the Stepping Hill and Central Stockport Area Committees.

Officer contact: Georgina Summers, 0161 474 4853, Georgina.summers@stockport.gov.uk

A Representative of the Corporate Director for Place submitted a report (copies of which have been circulated) informing Members of the results of the public consultation exercise which was carried out in March 2011 regarding proposed traffic management measures on Dialstone Lane. The report requested members’ approval to proceed with the implementation of a reduced traffic management scheme and associated Traffic Regulation Orders. The Chair invited the members of the public present to express their views on the proposal and ask any questions to the representatives of the Corporate Director for Place present at the meeting. The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·         There are two reasons for the proposed changes. The first is to reduce congestion- the waiting restrictions on the left side will create space for the lane for the A6 turning. There is a long green arrow at the A6 turning but this is not taken advantage of as cars cannot get past the parked cars into the lane. The second is to improve safety. Double yellow lines at junctions would prevent cars from parking obstructing the view of vehicles turning. School crossings will be enhanced. Extra traffic islands would help pedestrians to cross the road safely. Bus stops would be moved to give traffic overtaking more space.

·         Data relating to accidents in this area is provided by the police for the last 5 year period reveal that around 12 accidents were reported. Details of what caused those accidents were not provided.

·         The Highway Code states that vehicles should not be parked within 10 metres of a junction. Parking restrictions are provided in some areas to enforce this. At some junctions they extend beyond 10m and this is to reduce double parking in these areas which causes safety issues.

·         In areas where objections were received, parking restrictions were revised. The objections raised at this meeting will be considered and the scheme revised if necessary.

·         Concern was expressed for the availability of parking for visitors to households in areas affected by parking restrictions.

·         Residents felt that most of the parking problems on Dialstone Lane and the roads leading on to it were caused by the staff and visitors of Stepping Hill Hospital. It was confirmed the Council are having on-going discussions with the hospital regarding this.

·         Concern was expressed that not all areas where parking is an issue have been dealt with in the proposals, in particular around Dial Road and Magda Road areas. A representative of the Corporate Director for Place agreed to investigate these issues.

·         It would not be possible to make the junction with Dialstone Lane ‘straight ahead only’ even if it was found that traffic was using Dialstone Lane to get to the A6 quicker.

·         Any changes to traffic regulations on Cherry Tree Lane or the opposite end of Dialstone Lane would only be considered at the request of the Executive Councillor (Transportation).

·         Concern was expressed that not all interested parties had been given an opportunity to voice their opinion on the proposals. A representative of the Corporate Director for Place stated that around 500 consultation packs were sent out and 114 were completed and sent back. This is in line with the expected response rate of 20%. The proposals have been modified to reflect the views expressed within these responses.

·         Details of how to apply for a resident permit scheme are on the Council’s website. However, 51% of households on the street would have to agree and it would not mean that residents could have an allocated parking space.

·         Any vehicles which were causing an obstruction on the driveway should be reported to the Council’s Enforcement Officers who can issue a fine.

·         Residents were concerned that the proposals would not reduce the congestion at the A6 junction. The modelling of potential changes in traffic volume due to these management measures does show that it would be reduced. It also shows that the length of parking restrictions leading from the junction is necessary.

·         The Executive Councillor (Transportation) will resolve to advertise the Traffic Management Orders associated with this scheme once the proposals are finalised. If the Traffic Management Orders receive any objections then they will be referred back to Stepping Hill Area Committee.

·         Introducing measures such as a roundabout or signals at the crossing with Lisburne Lane has been investigated but would require a consultation scheme as it is not a universally popular proposal.

·         In a previous consultation there was a proposal for a parking area to be created. This was not included in this consultation due to access issues however a representative of the Corporate Director for Place agreed to investigate this again.

·         It was suggested that any restrictions should be in force only during daytime as the main pressures on parking are from the staff of Stepping Hill Hospital.

RESOLVED – (1) That representatives of the Corporate Director for Place discuss with the ward traffic spokespersons the views and objections expressed tonight and revise the proposed traffic management measures accordingly.

(2) That a representative of the Corporate Director for Place be requested to reply directly to the questioner concerning the proposals for the area immediately surrounding Dial Road and Magda Road.

(3) That a representative of the Corporate Director for Place be requested to investigate and send a reply directly to the questioner regarding the opportunity for creating car parking space mentioned in the previous consultation.