Agenda item

Councillor Davis attended the meeting and spoke as a Ward Councillor.

Concerns and suggestions from the petitioner included the following:

• The petitioner explained that residents had been having disagreements with members of the public over the inconsiderate and indiscriminate parking along the access way/drive way in High Street, Yiewsley. These confrontations had resulted in several instances of alleged anti-social behaviour.
• The relocation of Iceland meant that the residents' parking was converted to retail parking until the residents contacted a private parking company to manage the car park.
• The main issue stemmed from shoppers, parking /waiting/stopping at shops adjacent to the access way.
• Delivery vehicles regularly parked on the kerb near the entrance way for loading and unloading which caused an obstruction.
• Having discussed the parking issues with UK Car Park Management, the petitioner had been advised that the front of Dades Stores to the High Street was Council owned land and it was responsible for the maintenance of the highways as well as for any enforcement action.
• In view of the inconsiderate parking in the immediate vicinity of the access way, the petitioner requested that the Council   act as soon as possible.
• Specifically the petitioner requested that the Council officers responsible for parking enforcement use continuous CCTV and install a yellow box junction from the turning off the High Street all the way to the start of Dades stores.
• Further action included the installation of a "no Parking At Any Time" sign displayed along the access way and a Council operated street light to illuminate the access way at night especially during the height of winter when darkness falls"   

A Ward Councillor spoke with regard to the petitioners’ requests and raised the following issues:

• The Ward Councillor supported the broad concerns raised by the petitioner.
• The Ward Councillor agreed that the current parking restrictions were inadequate.
• With regards to the alleged instances of ASB, the Ward Councillor explained he would liaise with Cllr Ahmad-Wallana to move this forward, as this was beyond the remit of the petition hearing.

The Cabinet Member, Councillor Keith Burrows, listened to the concerns raised.

Referring to the parking issues which had been highlighted, Councillor Burrows explained that it was an especially difficult problem to solve as there would always be some inconsiderate motorists who chose to ignore signs and road markings. Discussing current enforcement action, he explained that Parking Enforcement Officers were legally obliged to give motorists an observation period before a ticket could be issued, and was often the case, motorists moved off to avoid a  penalty charge notice, only to return to the same spot after a short period.

Noting that the petitioners had also requested a "Council operated street light" in the access road to their parking area. He explained that Whilst the Council appreciated the request, the Council's Street Lighting Team had advised him that as this access road was privately maintained then it was the land owners' responsibility to provide adequate lighting. As a result, the Council could not agree to the request.

In relation to the alleged instances of anti-social behaviour, the Cabinet Member explained this was beyond the remit of the petition hearing. However, the petitioner was advised to contact their Ward Councillor and submit a Members Enquiry should they wish to do so.

In relation to the current road markings, Councillor Burrows confirmed that the Council could investigate upgrading the current yellow lines and also raise the frequency of enforcement with the Parking Enforcement Contractor. Subject to the Council receiving no objections during the consultation period, he advised that action on the road markings could be taken relatively quickly. He also confirmed that the Council could investigate the possible use of bollards on either side of the road.

RESOLVED: That the Cabinet Member:

1. Listened to the request for double yellow lines, additional lighting and a box junction on High Street, Yiewsley.

2.    Subject to the outcome of 1 above, asked officers to investigate the request for double yellow lines on the adopted section of highway.

3.    Noted the petitioners' request for a box junction at this location and advises them that this location does not meet the requirements for the introduction of this type of road marking.

4.    Advised petitioners that the area past the shop frontages is private and therefore it is the responsibility of the land owner to provide the appropriate street lighting.