Agenda item

The Cabinet Member considered a petition from residents requesting a double yellow lines and a residents permit parking scheme in Goulds Green. In support of the petition, the petitioners spoke of their concerns and suggestions including the following:

·         Goulds Green was a small road with only 20 houses. The petition had been signed by almost every household on the street with the exception of one.

·         Goulds Green used to be a quiet road, however recently up to 30 untaxed vehicles were being parked on the street which was impacting residential parking.

·         A household was using the property for commercial purposes and the Council had been informed and already commenced enforcement proceedings, serving notices. The impact of the commercial premises meant that parking was limited for residents as uninsured and untaxed cars were taking up available parking spaces.

·         Clarity was sought on whether vehicles could be parked on the pavement or half up on the pavements.  The last penalty noticed issued in relation to this was in 2005, however there were no signs to confirm what was allowed.

·         Requested that Golds Green be made safer for all its residents by creating double yellow lines at both junctions of Goulds Green and by introducing a parking management scheme.

Councillor Scott Farley attended the meeting as Ward Councillor and supported the petition and comments made by the petitioner. He expressed sympathy for the residents and agreed that introducing double yellow lines would enhance safety. Councillor Farley asked Councillor Burrows and officers to also bear in mind the potential impacts of introducing a parking permit on neighbouring roads. He questioned whether there would be a knock on effect and asked for this to be considered when making a decision.

Councillor Janet Gardner submitted the following comments for the meeting:

I presume this is a result of complaints from residents (one who came to our ward surgery in July) who live in Goulds Green , 

one of the main complaints was regarding inconsiderate parking of a great many vehicles,(some untaxed) by another of the residents, who apparently operates a car mechanics premises from his premises, which I am sure isn't permitted in a residential street

So.

If it makes life more bearable for the residents of the road to enter and exit their premises, and deters the running of a business from the local streets, then I don't see why anyone would have any objections to double yellows in the Goulds Green area.

I am hoping that if this is permitted then there will be monitoring of the surrounding area by our enforcement teams on a regular basis, just to check that the untaxed and cars for sale are not moved from Goulds Green and parked up on the other side of Harlington Rd, which is in Botwell Ward

Councillor Burrows listened to the concerns of the petitioners and responded to the points raised. Councillor Burrows noted that concerns raised in relation to the commercial use of a property and had regard to the enforcement notice sent by the Council. After discussing with the issue of the petitioner, Councillor Burrows took the view that a parking management scheme may not be necessary if the enforcement notice was complied with. He emphasised however that all options remained open for petitioners and residents.

Councillor Burrows was happy to add Goulds Green to the programme and discuss suitable locations for the parking management schemes with Ward Councillors, without it having a knock on effect with neighbouring roads. In relation to the petitioners question about whether on pavement was considered, Councillor Burrows explained that the fact that no penalty notices had not been issued since 2005, Goulds Green was deemed to be an exception as the area seemed to be self-governed.

In considering the matters, Councillors Burrows made the following decisions. 

RESOLVED -

Meeting with the Petitioners, the Cabinet Member:

1.    Listened to their request for the introduction of double yellow lines and a residents' permit parking scheme in Goulds Green, Uxbridge.

2.    Decided that the request for parking controls for Goulds Green, Uxbridge and possibly roads in the surrounding area should be added to the Council’s future parking scheme programme for further investigation and more detailed consultation when resources permit.

Reasons for decision

The petition hearing provided a valuable opportunity to hear directly from the petitioners of their concerns and suggestions.

Alternative options considered / risk management

These were discussed with the petitioners.