Issue - meetings

That (A) the recommendations of the Environment Scrutiny Committee of 23 February 2016, be noted;

(B)     the introduction of footway and grassed verge parking enforcement in East Herts be approved; and

(C)    the mechanism for the introduction and operation of this enforcement, as now detailed, be approved.

The Executive Member for Economic Development submitted a report seeking the introduction of footway and grassed verge parking enforcement on an initial, trial basis.  He detailed the background to the issue and its consideration by the Environment Scrutiny Committee on 23 February 2016.  The Committee had examined a number of different options and had supportedthe approach for footway and grassed verge parking controls as now recommended.

Councillor D Andrews referred to his comments made at the Environment Scrutiny Committee and suggested a different approach whereby the Council should designate areas where parking on the verge was permitted and not prohibited.  The Executive Member commented that this approach had been considered and rejected by the Environment Scrutiny Committee.

In response to other Members’ comments, the Executive Member outlined the additional enforcement that would form part of the pilot scheme.  He reminded Members that the public could report problems to the Parking service.  He also reiterated that this would be a pilot and lessons would be learnt.

The Executive approved the proposals now detailed.

RESOLVED - that (A) the recommendations of the Environment Scrutiny Committee of 23 February 2016, be noted;

(B)       the introduction of footway and grassed verge parking enforcement in East Herts be approved; and

(C)       the mechanism for the introduction and operation of this enforcement, as now detailed, be approved.

The Executive Member for Economic Development submitted a report on the possible implementation and enforcement of a footway and grassed verge parking ban in East Herts.  The Parking Manager provided a summary of the report and the options available to the Council and the separate role of the Police, to prevent obstruction by cars parked illegally.  

Members thanked the Officers for the research undertaken in providing a clear and concise report and vigorously debated the advantages and disadvantages of each of the options contained within the report as detailed.  

The list of criteria for identifying priorities was discussed and specifically, whether bullet point four within paragraph 2.8 should be included.  The Chief Executive explained that the rationale behind the criteria, as detailed, was for Members to identify “hot spots” as the “eyes” of their respective wards so that resources could be more appropriately targeted.  Having been put to the vote, the Committee agreed that bullet point four should stand as it would only be used by Officers to prioritise and target “hot spots” nominated by Members

The Committee supported a targeted local ban approach for the control of footway and grassed verge parking and the criteria for the evaluation of requests for footway and grassed verge controls as detailed.  The Committee also agreed that this be promoted on the basis of an experimental Traffic Regulation Order. 

Councillor K Crofton did not support the approach being implemented on the basis of an experimental Traffic Regulation Order and requested that his contrary view be recorded.

          RESOLVED – that the Executive be advised          that (A) a targeted local ban for the    implementation of footway and grassed         verge parking be supported;

          (B)     the criteria for evaluating requests for   footway and grassed verge controls, as     detailed, be supported; and

          (C)    the targeted ban for the        implementation of footway and grassed           verge parking be promoted on the basis of    an experimental Traffic Regulation Order.