Issue - meetings

Report ES13085

Manor Park Close, a small residential close off Manor Park Road, West Wickham (close to the High Street), was experiencing a high level of demand for on street parking.

In 2009, residents had petitioned about the level and manner of parking in the area, the main concern being vehicles parked at the junction of Manor Park Close and Manor Park Road and along Manor Park Close. A consultation was carried out on the proposal for “At any time” waiting restrictions at the Close.  Some objections were received and the proposal was not taken forward.  Residents were informed that the site would be monitored and that it might be necessary to re-investigate if concerns continued and access problems persisted. 

The site was further investigated in early 2013 following requests from residents. On street parking on both sides of the road was creating an issue for larger vehicles. Restrictions to one side of the road were suggested to ensure that access is maintained. Parking close to the junction and turning area of the cul-de-sac could create further issues. All residents had a form of off-street parking and it was thought appropriate to consult residents on adding some restrictions to the close.

Following informal consultations with Ward Members, a formal consultation was carried out in June 2013. A letter to residents included the proposed plan (ESD 10561-1) with 16 households being informed of the proposal. Two letters were received in support and two in objection. Specific objections and officer comments were outlined in Report ES13085. The West Wickham Residents Association also objected to the proposal.

Officers concluded that the proposed changes would benefit road safety, would help improve sightlines at the Manor Park Road junction and ensure that access could be gained at all times.

Councillor Bennett advised that residents did not support restrictions along the whole length of the Close. He therefore advocated restrictions around the turning area of the Close but none along the side. He also suggested a warning sign on approach to the junction advising of the Close being a cul-de-sac. He also recommended a zebra crossing across Manor Park Road close to the nearby school.

The Head of Traffic and Road Safety advised that a crossing can be looked at. He also saw no difficulty in the approach to waiting restrictions proposed by Councillor Bennett. 

RESOLVED that the Portfolio Holder be recommended to agree that waiting restrictions for Manor Park Close be installed around the turning area at the end of the Close as shown in consultation plan ESD 10561-1, but not along the length of the Close.