Agenda item

Note: This is an executive function.

Members to consider local parking schemes contained within the report.

11.1  Turney Road

Note: This item is an executive function.

Members considered the information in the report.

The chair invited members, ward councillors and representatives present to speak on the local parking amendment for Turney Road.

The main issue was that some motorists were driving the wrong way within close proximity of schools in the area.

Councillor Eckersley (ward member) spoke about the road proposals which had raised considerable and very recent objections from the residents that were immediately affected and the fact there had been no consultation.  He said in regard to Turney Road and to some extent with Gallery Road, there had not been an exemplary consultation with affected residents and stakeholders. In his view the pre- decision consultation had been inadequate. He asked if members could consider the views of the representatives present at the meeting.

Councillor Eckersley also thought that a deferral of the parking amendment be sought to allow for a full and proper consultation with the wide range of stakeholders.

Councillor Crookshank Hilton (ward member) explained the matter first came to her attention when the police contacted her about the dangerous situation. She said highways officers suggested demarcating the corner spaces and the pedestrian islands.

Councillor Crookshank Hilton suggested the approval of the first scheme set out in Appendix 1 and asked that officers undertake a full and proper consultation on the more complicated scheme. 

Members also discussed the position of installing additional yellow lines to reinforce the highway code.

Councillor Mitchell (ward member) spoke about the 21 day statutory consultation process and about the lodged objections (if any) and stressing this should be referred to Dulwich Community Council for determination.

Members felt there would be extensive time delays if they went for deferral.

Sue Badman, chair of Turney Road residents association addressed the meeting and stated the residents shared the same concerns about road safety as the school had done.  She said there had been a few nasty incidences when cars were travelling on the wrong side of the road.  She said residents felt that there should be some safety mechanisms for this road before a serious incident does occur.

Sue explained the association represents 95 % of all residents on the Southwark side and within the limited time available sent out details of these proposals to those residents. The feedback she received highlighted the loss of parking and possible displacement for some residents.  Also, insufficient notice was given and there had no formal consultation.  Sue said the association would be happy to meet with officers, councillors and other local stakeholders to discuss it further.  Local residents were also frustrated with the poor behaviour of motorists during the school peak hours and hoped there could be a quick solution to the problem.

Sue said there should be a sensible solution and a commitment from the Southwark side to regular enforcement.  Also that the schools themselves should participate in a robust approach.  Finally, that there should not be a 21 day statutory consultation but a formal feedback process

A resident who had a child at Dulwich Hamlet school spoke on the issue and outlined he had witnessed an incident when a motorist parked on the zig zags and a motorist reversed into the person. He felt there was a need to extend the signs to the end of Turney Road (zig zags) but was not in favour of extending the double yellow lines as that would restrict weekend parking.

A school governor at Dulwich Hamlet was present to make representations on behalf of the school.  He said there had been a number of near misses that involved parents and children.  People parked on one side of the road which created poor visibility for people crossing the other side of the road. Having had discussions with the head of Dulwich Hamlet, he said he encouraged parents not to drive to the school or to park irresponsibly. He urged the community council to approve a scheme so that a safety mechanism could be in place as quickly as possible and then consult more widely on a more detailed scheme.

Councillor Barber put forward a proposal which was for members to agree a reduced scheme in principle.  He said ward councillors could rubber stamp the final solution in consultation with the local residents and the school and then report this to the next community council (with any objections) so the scheme could be implemented as soon as possible.

Members and those present were in favour of this proposal.

RESOLVED:

That officers move ahead with a limited scheme set out in Appendix 1 (Rev A) in the main agenda, on the basis that ward councillors get together and agree the final detail of that scheme. That the details are reported back to the next community council and pre consultation with local stakeholders also takes place before the next meeting.

11.2  Gallery Road

RESOLVED:

That the local parking amendment be deferred so this scheme could be considered in conjunction with the raised crossing proposal on Gallery Road.