BUS STOP CLEARWAY – OLDHAM ROAD AND BROOKLANDS PARADE ...committees.oldham.gov.uk/Data/Traffic Regulation Order Panel/20081215... · BUS STOP CLEARWAY – OLDHAM ROAD AND BROOKLANDS

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EXECUTIVE DECISION RECORDING SYSTEM : REFERENCE NUMBER : 08110205

TRO PANEL - OBJECTIONS TO PROHIBITION OF WAITING AND BUS STOP CLEARWAY – OLDHAM ROAD AND BROOKLANDS PARADE, GROTTON REPORT OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES 1.0 PURPOSE OF REPORT 1.1 The purpose of this report is to consider objections made to the

proposal to introduce a Bus Stop Clearway on Oldham Road, Grotton and waiting restrictions at the junction of Oldham Road and Brooklands Parade.

2.0 RECOMMENDATION 2.1 It is recommended that:-

i) the proposed Bus Stop Clearway and Waiting Restrictions be implemented without modification; and

ii) the objections be dismissed and the objectors be informed

accordingly.


TRO PANEL - OBJECTIONS TO PROHIBITION OF WAITING AND BUS STOP CLEARWAY – OLDHAM ROAD AND BROOKLANDS PARADE, GROTTON 3.0 INTRODUCTION 3.1 The Traffic Section have been pursuing two traffic management

initiatives that affect the Brooklands Shopping Parade at Grotton. These are the introduction of a Bus Stop Clearway at the existing bus stop for east bound buses, requested by an Elected Representative and ‘junction protection’ waiting restrictions at the junction of Oldham Road with Brooklands Parade.

3.2 The problems being addressed are obstruction of traffic flows at

the junction and parking obstructing buses docking at the existing bus stop.

3.3 The proposals for the bus stop clearway on Oldham Road were

approved under delegated powers and the report forms Appendix 1 to this report.

3.4 The proposals for the Oldham Road and Brooklands Parade

waiting restrictions were approved under delegated powers and the report forms Appendix 2 to this report.

3.5 A Bus Stop Clearway can be introduced without making a Traffic

Regulation Order. However, because the Bus Stop Clearway abuts proposed waiting restrictions which form a composite traffic management proposal, it is applicable to consider the objections that have been received to both measures in this report. If the Bus Stop Clearway is not introduced it is considered that it will be necessary to introduce waiting restrictions on Oldham Road immediately to the east of the Brooklands Parade junction, in order that the junction has unobstructed visibility provision. The Police have endorsed this view which conforms to Rule 217 of the Highway Code.

4.0 OBJECTIONS 4.1 Both proposals were publicly advertised from 9 March to 6 April

2007 and the following objections were received. The letters of objection are included in Appendix 3 of this report.


4.2 A letter of objection has been received from Mr Neil Barker of 285 Oldham Road, together with a letter in support from Phil Woolas MP. Mr Barker’s objection relates to:

• The affect on deliveries to Mr Barker’s business. These deliveries occur three times per week and are in excess of 3 tons per delivery. If restrictions are introduced this will prohibit vehicles parking outside of his premises to deliver produce.

• The negative impact on passing trade to the businesses on Brooklands Parade.

• The displacement of parked vehicles to outside residential properties resulting in driveways being blocked.

He suggests that the bus stop be relocated 100 metres west of the

existing bus stop. 4.3 A letter of objection was received from Mr T Smith owner/occupier

of Grotton Newsagents (No 246). His objection makes a number of points:

• The potential loss of trade due to the lack of on street parking if restrictions relating to the introduction of both Bus Stop Clearway and waiting restrictions are introduced.

• Requests the relocation of the bus stop to the turn around point which is on the opposite side of the road adjacent to the Grotton Hotel.

• Proposes a 10 minute limited waiting period for all parking areas and the extending of parking bays on the frontage of 283 – 285 Oldham Road.

4.4 A letter of objection was received from Ms V Simpson of The Face

and Body Shop, 283 Oldham Road. Her objection makes a number of points:

• The potential loss of trade due to the lack of on street parking if restrictions relating to the introduction of both Bus Stop Clearway and waiting restrictions are introduced even though her premises provide some off street parking.


• Requests the relocation of the bus stop to the turn around point which is on the opposite side of the road adjacent to the Grotton Hotel.

• Proposes a 10 minute limited waiting period for all parking areas. She suggests that the bus stop be relocated 100 metres west of the existing bus stop.

4.5 Letters of objection to the waiting restrictions were received from

Nos 291, 293 and 299 which are private residences. The objections make the following points:

• The waiting restrictions will displace vehicles that currently park outside of the shops to outside of their properties causing blocked driveways and restricting access to their residence(s).

• Suggests that the bus stop be relocated 100 metres west of the existing bus stop.

4.6 Copies of the objections are included in Appendix 3 to this report. 5.0 COMMENTS ON THE OBJECTIONS 5.1 The Traffic Authority does not have a duty to maintain or provide

on street parking for residents or businesses but does have a duty to consider the effect on amenity of any locality.

5.2 Oldham Council in conjunction with Greater Manchester

Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) has been engaged in improving bus services and associated traffic management measures at various locations along the Manchester / Saddleworth bus corridor. As part of this process we are upgrading a number of bus stops throughout the Borough to accommodate the new ‘kneeling’ buses and are due to commence this process on the bus stop adjacent to Brooklands Parade, Grotton.


5.3 In addition to the pavement modifications, the introduction of Bus Stop Clearways which impose ‘No stopping’ restrictions at all Bus Stops on the corridor will ensure unimpeded access to the stop for buses, improve journey times and allow passengers to board and alight the bus safely. The current traffic arrangements at this location do not allow buses to dock at the bus stop due to parked cars resulting in the bus stopping in the main flow of traffic, disrupting traffic flow, which causes an obstruction at the Brooklands Parade/Station Road junction. It also forces passengers to embark and disembark on the highway and negotiate through the parked vehicles to access the pavement.

5.4 It should be noted that the Bus Stop Clearway is located

immediately after the junction with Brooklands Parade. This allows a foreshortened Bus box marking. This will ensure that visibility is maintained at the junction except for the short period when the bus is docked and this is achieved with the minimum effect on parking provision.

5.5 Without the restrictions indiscriminate parking can occur which will

prevent safe and efficient access by buses to the designated stop with its improved arrangements. There are clear benefits in terms of highway safety and amenity of public transport users if the proposals are implemented.

5.6 It is accepted that the proposed bus stop clearway marking will

have an effect on the kerb space available for parking and loading. It is possible that vehicles displaced by the restrictions would park on street in front of residential properties on Oldham Road. The carriageway is approximately 8.3 metres wide and the parking would be further away from the junction, which is preferable. However, it is accepted that this parking could affect access to private drives and visibility for emerging traffic from drives. It is considered that, as the full effect cannot be gauged at this time, in the event of these restrictions being introduced the Service Director - Highways and Operational Services be directed to investigate the necessity of additional restrictions. Similarly, it is not possible to address the request for limited waiting restrictions on the parking bays within the consideration of these objections. It will be possible to address this request in the same investigation in the future.


5.7 One suggestion was to construct additional lay-by parking alongside the frontage of 283 – 285 Oldham Road. The Council have no land ownership in this area and a limited footway provision. The owners have off street parking on their land on the forecourt. It is not considered that any benefit would be derived by this proposal.

5.8 However, there are facilities for parking and loading off street in

the area. Two dropped kerbs outside Nos 283 & 285 Oldham Road to allow vehicular access to the private strip. The Clearway marks at this location will allow vehicles to access both properties to affect deliveries when the bus box is not occupied by a bus. Number 283 has its own car parking facility to the rear of the premises, as conditioned in Planning Application Ref PA 037454/98 & PA034318/96. This area could also be utilised for delivery purposes to the premises by light vehicles.

5.9 The GMPTE inform us that, the relocation of the bus stop to the

former turnaround point is not achievable due to the length of the new buses not being able to negotiate the turnaround point. They consider that the Bus Stop in its current location is its best location to serve the public as it is near to both shops and the pedestrian crossing facility. If the Bus stop were relocated 100 metres to the west adjacent to Lido House they consider that this could affect passenger convenience because it is less well sited. They have considered relocation to the east but the footway width is considered too narrow.

5.10 Brooklands Parade and the associated shopping and commercial

premises form a vibrant local centre but, because of the level of car borne traffic assessing these facilities, the passage and safety of traffic and the ability of buses to ‘dock’ efficiently is being compromised. The proposed restrictions are the minimum that can be provided to effectively manage traffic in the area but this cannot be achieved without some effect on amenity.

6.0 FURTHER COMMENTS 6.1 Arising from the letters sent out to all premises further

communications were received. 6.2 Councillor Lord has expressed further support for the proposals

and his letter is also included in Appendix 4.


7.0 COMMENTS OF WARD COUNCILLORS 7.1 The Ward Councillors have been consulted and Councillor Lord

reaffirmed his support for the proposal. 8.0 CONSULTATION 8.1 Consultations were carried out and are contained in Appendices 1

and 2 to this report.

9.0 FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS 9.1 Are contained in Appendices 1 and 2 to this report. 10.0 LEGAL SERVICES’ COMMENTS 10.1 None (MB) 11.0 TREASURER’S COMMENTS 11.1 Are contained in Appendices 1 and 2 to this report. 12.0 IT IMPLICATIONS 12.1 None 13.0 PROPERTY IMPLICATIONS 13.1 None 14.0 ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH AND SAFETY IMPLICATIONS 14.1 Are contained in Appendices 1 and 2 to this report.


15.0 COMMUNITY COHESION IMPLICATIONS (INCLUDING CRIME AND DISORDER IMPLICATIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 17 OF THE ACT)

15.1 Further to the comments contained in Appendix 4 an additional

letter of support for the proposal has been received and also several verbal expressions of support.

16.0 FORWARD PLAN REFERENCE 16.1 This is not a key decision.

The following is a list of the background papers on which this report is based in accordance with the requirements of Section 100(1) of the Local Government Act 1972. It does not include documents which would disclose exempt or confidential information as defined by that Act. File Ref – TM3/583 and TM3/552 Any Person wishing to inspect copies of the above background papers should contact:- Mr S Palk - Tel No 0161 770 4328


APPENDIX 1

INITIAL DELEGATED REPORT


EXECUTIVE DECISION RECORDING SYSTEM : REFERENCE NUMBER 05110036

DELEGATED ITEM PROPOSED BUS STOP CLEARWAY - OLDHAM ROAD, GROTTON REPORT TO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES AND CABINET MEMBER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

1.0 PURPOSE OF REPORT 1.1 The purpose of this report is to consider a request for the

introduction of a Bus Stop Clearway on Oldham Road, Grotton. 2.0 RECOMMENDATION 2.1 It is recommended that a Bus Stop Clearway be introduced on

Oldham Road, Grotton as detailed in the Schedule at the end of this report and in accordance with the procedure previously set up to create Bus Stop Clearways. (EDRS Ref No. 04090155 refers).


PROPOSED BUS STOP CLEARWAY - OLDHAM ROAD, GROTTON

3.0 INTRODUCTION 3.1 A request has been received from an Elected Member to introduce

a Bus Stop Clearway on Oldham Road, Grotton. 4.0 BACKGROUND 4.1 Oldham Road (A669) is a classified road and serves as one of the

main routes from Oldham to the Saddleworth area. 4.2 There are four separate bus services that pass along Oldham

Road, Grotton that collectively generate during daytime operating hours 8 buses per hour in each direction.

4.3 The existing bus stop is situated in the vicinity of 283/285 Oldham

Road, Grotton, both are retail premises generating traffic. 4.4 There are no waiting restrictions in the vicinity of the bus

stop/shops leading to a high level of on-street parking. 4.5 The site has been inspected on a number of occasions and at

varying times during the day and it was noted that buses had to regularly stop in the flow of traffic, due to the parked vehicles, to allow passengers to board/alight.

5.0 PROPOSAL 5.1 It is proposed to introduce a Bus Stop Clearway on Oldham Road,

Grotton in accordance with the Schedule at the end of this report. 6.0 CONSULTATIONS 6.1 G.M.P. View - The Chief Constable has been consulted and has

no objection to this proposal. 6.2 G.M.P.T.E. View - The Director General has been consulted and

supports this proposal.


6.3 G.M. Fire Service View - The County Fire Officer has been consulted and has no objection to this proposal.

6.4 G.M. Ambulance Service View - The County Ambulance Officer

has been consulted and has no comment on this proposal. 7.0 COMMENTS OF WARD COUNCILLORS 7.1 The Ward Councillors have been consulted on the proposals and

no comments were received.

8.0 FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS 8.1 The cost of implementing the scheme is detailed below:-

Advertising Costs £500.00

Implementation Cost £200.00

TOTAL £700.00

Annual Maintenance Costs £ 20.00

9.0 LEGAL SERVICES’ COMMENTS 9.1 No comment (BB) 10.0 TREASURER’S COMMENTS 10.1 Capital None 10.2 Revenue

The proposal represents an initial cost of £700 and annual maintenance cost of £20 which will be funded from the Departments Highways Maintenance Budget (EB/GJM)

11.0 IT IMPLICATIONS 11.1 None


12.0 PROPERTY IMPLICATIONS 12.1 None 13.0 ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH AND SAFETY IMPLICATIONS 13.1 Energy - Nil. 13.2 Transport - Nil. 13.3 Pollution - Nil. 13.4 Consumption and Use of Resources - In accordance with current

specifications. 13.5 Built Environment - Nil. 13.6 Natural Environment - Nil. 14.0 COMMUNITY COHESION IMPLICATIONS (INCLUDING CRIME

AND DISORDER IMPLICATIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 17 OF THE ACT)

14.1 The creation of a Bus Stop Clearway will create a safer

environment in which passengers will be able to board and alight from public transport and will serve the local community as a whole.


Schedule

Location Description Hours of Operation

Oldham Road, Grotton

From a point 2 metres east of its junction with Brooklands Parade for a distance of 23 metres in an easterly direction.

7am - 7pm


The following is a list of the background papers on which this report is based in accordance with the requirements of Section 100(1) of the Local Government Act 1972. It does not include documents which would disclose exempt or confidential information as defined by that Act. File Ref - TM3/552 Any Person wishing to inspect copies of the above background papers should contact:- Mr D Slater : Tel No 0161 911 4359

Signed

Cabinet Member for the Environment

Dated

Signed

Executive Director, Environmental Services

Dated



APPENDIX 2

INITIAL DELEGATED REPORT


EXECUTIVE DECISION RECORDING SYSTEM : REFERENCE NUMBER 06100085

DELEGATED ITEM PROPOSED PROHBITION OF WAITING - BROOKLANDS PARADE, GROTTON, OLDHAM REPORT TO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES AND CABINET MEMBER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AND REGENERATION

1.0 PURPOSE OF REPORT 1.1 The purpose of this report is to consider a request from a resident,

via an Elected Member, for waiting restrictions on Brooklands Parade at its junction with Oldham Road, Grotton.

2.0 RECOMMENDATION 2.1 It is recommended that a Traffic Regulation Order be introduced

prohibiting parking at any time at the junction of Brooklands Parade with Oldham Road, Grotton.


PROPOSED PROHBITION OF WAITING - BROOKLANDS PARADE, GROTTON, OLDHAM

3.0 INTRODUCTION 3.1 A request has been received for the introduction of waiting

restrictions on Brooklands Parade, Grotton, Oldham. 4.0 OBSERVATIONS 4.1 At the junction of Brooklands Parade with Oldham Road there are

a number of premises that generate on-street parking. It has been observed that at times the number of parked vehicles on Oldham Road fronting the shops and on Brooklands Parade, as vehicles turn in off Oldham Road, is excessive.

4.2 At times vehicles turning into Brooklands Parade from Oldham

Road are having to brake suddenly which could lead to problems for the vehicles travelling along Oldham Road.

4.3 There are a number of existing parking bays situated on

Brooklands Parade that can be used for customer parking for the shops.

4.4 There is an approved proposal to implement a Bus Stop Clearway

fronting the shops, which when implemented will remove vehicles from Oldham Road and possibly on to Brooklands Parade.

5.0 JUSTIFICATION 5.1 The introduction of waiting restrictions on Brooklands Parade

would remove obstructive parking near to the junction with Oldham Road and create a safer environment.

6.0 CONSULTATIONS 6.1 G.M.P. View - The Chief Constable has been consulted and has

no objection to this proposal but considered that waiting restrictions on the main road may be beneficial as parking could defect to this location affecting visibility for vehicles emerging from Brooklands Parade.


6.2 G.M.P.T.E. View - The Director General has been consulted and has no comment on this proposal.

6.3 G.M. Fire Service View - The County Fire Officer has been

consulted and supports this proposal. 6.4 G.M. Ambulance Service View - The County Ambulance Officer

has been consulted and has no comment on this proposal. 7.0 COMMENT ON THE CONSULTATIONS 7.1 In the light of the comment from GMP it has been decided to

extend the proposal to introduce restrictions on Oldham Road as indicated in the Schedule.

8.0 COMMENTS OF WARD COUNCILLORS 8.1 The Ward Councillors have been consulted and Councillor Lord

fully supports the proposals. No other comments were received. 9.0 FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS 9.1 The cost of processing the Traffic Regulation Order is detailed

below:- £

Advertisement of Order 500.00 Introduction of Road Markings 20.00

TOTAL 520.00

Annual Maintenance Costs 4.00 10.0 LEGAL SERVICES’ COMMENTS 10.1 The Council must be satisfied that it is expedient to make the

Traffic Regulation Order in order to avoid danger to persons or other traffic using the road or for preventing the likelihood of any such danger arising, or for facilitating the passage on the road or any other road of any class of traffic, including pedestrians. (AE)

11.0 TREASURER’S COMMENTS 11.1 Capital None


11.2 Revenue

The proposal represents an initial cost of £520 and annual maintenance cost of £4 which will be funded from the Environmental Services Directorate’s Highways Maintenance Budget. (EB/SP)

12.0 IT IMPLICATIONS 12.1 None 13.0 PROPERTY IMPLICATIONS 13.1 None 14.0 ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH AND SAFETY IMPLICATIONS 14.1 Energy - Nil. 14.2 Transport - Nil. 14.3 Pollution - Nil. 14.4 Consumption and Use of Resources - Nil. 14.5 Built Environment - Minor alteration to streetscape. 14.6 Natural Environment - Nil. 14.7 Health and Safety - The introduction of waiting restrictions will

create a safer environment for both vehicular and pedestrian movement.

15.0 COMMUNITY COHESION IMPLICATIONS (INCLUDING CRIME

AND DISORDER IMPLICATIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 17 OF THE ACT)

15.1 The introduction of waiting restrictions on Brooklands Parade will

allow pedestrians to cross the road junction with greater ease and will remove obstructive parking benefiting the community as a whole.



17.0 PROPOSAL 17.1 It is proposed to introduce waiting restrictions on Brooklands

Parade, Grotton, in accordance with the following schedule.

Schedule

Drawing Number 47/A4/1108/1 Add to the Oldham Borough Council (Saddleworth area) Consolidation Order 2003 Add to Part 1 Schedule 1

Column 1 Column 2 Column 3 Column 4 Column 5

Item No

Length of Road Duration Exemptions No Loading

1 Brooklands Parade (Both sides) From its junction with Oldham Road for a distance of 10 metres in a northerly direction

At Any Time A, B1, B3, B4, G, E, J, K4

2 Oldham Road (North side) From its junction with Brooklands Parade for a distance of 31 metres in a westerly direction

At Any Time A, B1, B3, B4, G, E, J, K4


The following is a list of the background papers on which this report is based in accordance with the requirements of Section 100(1) of the Local Government Act 1972. It does not include documents which would disclose exempt or confidential information as defined by that Act. File Ref - TM3/583 Any Person wishing to inspect copies of the above background papers should contact:- Mr S Palk : Tel No 0161 911 4328

Signed

Cabinet Member for the Environment and Regeneration

Dated

Signed

Executive Director, Environmental Services

Dated



APPENDIX 3

LETTERS OF OBJECTION




















APPENDIX 4

LETTER OF SUPPORT


From: Cllr B Lord

Sent: 05 April 2007 09:37 To: Liberal_Democrat_Councillors

Cc: Geoff Willerton; Cllr V Sedgwick; Babs Subject: Face and Body Grotton

I understand that all Councillors have received a letter from Face and Body in Grotton regarding the proposed bus stop markings. Herewith is my reply. I would suggest that colleagues merely acknowledge receipt of the letter and say that I am replying in depth Cheers Brian Dear Valerie, As ward Councillor I have been asked to reply to your letter which appears to have been sent to our group members. Firstly can I start by saying that I have a long track record of fighting for local businesses and indeed my wife uses your services. However I have received, over the last couple of years, several complaints from Grotton residents about the dangers caused for pedestrians and motorists by the inconsiderate parking by motorists using the shops either side of the road at the junction of Brooklands Parade/Oldham Road and Station Street. The complainants would argue that asking motorists to walk a further ten yards to get to a shop door is not unreasonable if it enables traffic to enter and exit the two side roads in a safer manner. The problem, as I see it, is that because of double parking in Brooklands Parade there is only a single track for vehicles trying to leave or enter. If a vehicle is trying to get out then the incoming vehicle has to do an emergency stop and is then subject to impact from behind if the following vehicle had expected them to make the turn. Some of the complainants site this as the cause of unpleasant exchanges, especially if they have to reverse back onto the main road. The placing of the double yellow lines would remove this problem. As far as the bus situation is concerned I am told that the bus has regularly to ‘Double Park’ outside of the cars parked in the bus stop area. This brings traffic to a standstill and creates a traffic hazard as people still try to cross the road and motorists make ‘kamikaze’ overtaking manoeuvres in their impatience. As for the history of the stop as far as I can remember the Oldham stop was moved from the little lay-by across from your shop to tie in with the newly created ‘turn round’ outside the Grotton Hotel. This meant that the two stops were directly opposite each other which are apparently not recommended so the ‘up’ stop was moved to its present position outside of your shop. The only way to stop people parking in the bus stop area is to make it a legal instrument as people clearly ignore the present situation. As far as I am aware the crazy bus stop ‘pier’ outside Raja’s has not affected his trade despite removing a similar sized parking area to that suggested outside your shop. OMBC Highway officers have inspected the site and feel that this is the only way of removing what most people in Grotton see as a dangerous situation. With regard to your letter to Mr Suligowski, Could I remind you that the residents of Lido House campaigned long and hard to get rid of the bus stop from the position you suggest relocating it to, and indeed objected to the one at the other side of the road because of buses waiting there causing a noise nuisance. Your reference to the accident record is, I’m afraid, not correct. It is not long since an old lady was tragically killed at the junction and the presence of the speed camera was only possible if the police could show 4 reportable accidents in the last three years. In conclusion, whilst I have every sympathy with your position, I have to look at matters for the good of the majority and must, on this occasion, suggest that the proposed restrictions are in the best interest of the residents of Grotton. Yours sincerely Brian Lord

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BUS STOP CLEARWAY – OLDHAM ROAD AND BROOKLANDS PARADE ...committees.oldham.gov.uk/Data/Traffic Regulation Order Panel/20081215... · BUS STOP CLEARWAY – OLDHAM ROAD AND BROOKLANDS