58 MOVING TRAFFIC OFFENCES PDF 350 KB
To consider a report from the Executive Member for Environmental Services.
Decision:
Minutes:
The Executive Member for Environmental Services introduced the report on parking enforcement, which included details of the proposed changes, a timeline for delivery of the plans, details of the outcomes of consultations carried out, and a description of the changes to the Council’s powers. The Leader welcomed the report and how the additional monies raised would be able to fund the improvement of transport links within the borough. The Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing, and Equalities also welcomed the report stating that the measures would help to address issues continually reported by residents.
Councillor Frass noted the report stated further zones could be set without consultation and asked for further clarification. The Executive Member for Environmental Services responded to Councillor Frass and informed him that while the report did delegate additional powers to himself with the agreement of officers it was to enable the Council to utilise those powers to tackle traffic problems in a timely manner. The Executive Member for Environmental Services assured the Committee that Ward Councillors would be consulted with before further developments were implemented.
Councillor Whetton noted that many yellow lines across Trafford were warn, making them hard to discern, and hoped that they would be refreshed and made clear before people were punished using the new powers. Councillor Whetton questioned the junctions that had been selected and asked that something be done to consult with drivers. In response to Councillor Whetton the Executive Member for Environmental Services asked for any Councillors aware of faded lines to report them to him or the relevant officers so they could be addressed. The Executive Member for Environmental Services then spoke about the issues he was aware of with the junctions chosen and informed the Committee why the additional enforcement set out within the report was needed. The Corporate Director of Place added that there were no new powers or box junctions being created but rather a transfer of existing powers from the Police to the Council to enforce existing restrictions. A six-month grace period would be given for infringement of any box junctions created unless it was a second offence within the six-month period.
Councillor Blackburn stated that sufficient notice was not provided to motorists that the road narrowed at the two junctions chosen and asked whether something could be done to address that issue. The Leader responded that this would be picked up after the meeting.
Councillor Newgrosh asked whether there would be any profits after the costs were accounted for and how they would be used. The Executive Member for Environmental Services responded to Councillor Newgrosh informing him that it was difficult to calculate profits and any profits generated would have to be used to support transport within the borough.
Councillor Newgrosh noted that there were only 58 responses to the Council’s consultation and asked whether the outcomes were considered valid given the low level of responses received. The Executive Member for Environmental Services noted the low level of responses, although it was in line with ... view the full minutes text for item 58