07

							 CONSULTATION
 WITH CHAIRMAN
                                       Copies: Chief Executive
                                               Head of Members' Services
                                               Head of Committee Services
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COMMITTEE         ROMFORD AREA COMMITTEE
(S/C):

CHAIRMAN:         CLLR FRED OSBORNE

NOTE FOR                 Please record your decision on the top copy: sign/date
CHAIRMAN:                and send it to the Head of Members’ Services

DIRECTOR’S/HEAD OF SERVICE REPORT                    OUR REF:
                                                     QE087
SUBJECT:
PROPOSED ZEBRA CROSSING, SOUTH STREET
BETWEEN FRAZER CLOSE AND MELTON GARDENS


BACKGROUND
At its meeting of 25th January 2007, the Romford Area Committee considered a
report on a proposed zebra crossing in South Street, Romford, between Frazer
Close and Melton Gardens. The Recommendations were as follows;

            1.    That the following proposals as shown on Drawing QE087/001
                  are agreed in principle and staff are authorised to undertake
                  public consultation, together with statutory advertisement (where
                  required);

                  (a)   A new zebra crossing outside nos.339/341 South Street,

                  (b)   The relocation of the north-bound bus stop to the north of
                        the proposed zebra crossing, including a 31 metre bus
                        stop clearway (24 hours a day) and accessibility
                        improvements to the footway,

                  (c)   Minor amendments to the south-bound bus stop clearway
                        and accessibility improvements to the footway,

                  (d)   Provision of four voucher parking bays in the lay-by
                        opposite Ormonde Court, to be in operation 8am to
                        6:30pm, Monday to Saturday inclusive, with the bay being
                        “free” to use at all other times.

                  (e)   Provision of “At Any Time” waiting and loading restrictions
                        on the northern/ eastern side of South Street from its
                        junction with Rom Valley Way to the first proposed


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                           voucher bay.

                    (f)    “At Any Time” waiting restrictions at the junction of South
                           Street with Frazer Close from the last voucher parking
                           bay in South Street and the controlled area of the zebra
                           crossing, for 10 metres into Frazer Close,

                    (g)    “At Any Time” waiting restrictions at the junction of South
                           Street and Melton Gardens, for a distance of 15 metres
                           on all arms.


             2.     That the approval process be delegated to the Head of
                    Technical Services in consultation with the Chairman of the Area
                    Committee, if changes are required to the proposals before they
                    proceed to public consultation.

             3.     That the approval of the final scheme following the results of the
                    public consultation be delegated to the Head of Technical
                    Services in consultation with the Chairman of the Area
                    Committee.

             4.     That the estimated cost of £20,000 for the zebra crossing and
                    associated waiting restrictions is met from the S106 Contribution
                    from the McCarthy & Stone Development, South Street/
                    Clydesdale Road, subject to finance being available.

             5.     That the estimated cost of £15,000 for works to the bus stops is
                    met from the 2007/08 allocation for Bus Stop Accessibility
                    funded by Transport for London through the Local
                    Implementation Plan, subject to finance being available.


The Area Committee agreed with the Recommendations, subject to Staff reviewing
the proposed 15 metre waiting restrictions for Melton Gardens (Recommendation
1(g)).

It was also requested that an existing dropped kerb outside 343/343a South Street
be reviewed to ascertain whether or not it was required.


STAFF COMMENTS
The proposed restrictions at Melton Gardens have been reviewed. As the junction is
skewed (not at ninety degrees to South Street) the northern side of the junction is
wider than the southern so that traffic travelling south-bound on South Street can
make a reasonably easy left turn into Melton Gardens.

Staff suggest that the full length of proposed restrictions should remain on this side
to ensure that traffic can most easily access Melton Gardens. In addition, the local
convention appears that parking is exclusively on the south side of Melton Gardens.


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The south side of the junction is not so wide and therefore, Staff conclude that this
could be reduced to a 10 metre restriction. This is shown on Drawing QE087/001A
as appended to this document.

With regard to the dropped kerb outside 343/343a South Street, Staff can confirm
that it is in use as a legitimate vehicle crossing, serving 343a.


RECOMMENDATIONS

1.           That the proposed “At Any Time” waiting restrictions on the southern side of
             Melton Gardens at its junction with South Street be reduced from 15 metres
             to 10 metres, as shown on Drawing QE087/001A.

2.           That the vehicle crossing outside 343/343a South Street remains in use.

3.           That the scheme proceeds to public and statutory consultation.


FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS AND RISKS
The estimated costs of the proposals are as set out in the Covered in the Area
Committee report of 25th January 2007.

     New Zebra Crossing and waiting restrictions                     £20,000

     Works to bus stops                                              £15,000

     Total                                                           £35,000


The costs for the zebra crossing and allied restrictions will be met by the S106
Contribution from the McCarthy & Stone Development, South Street/ Clydesdale
Road, subject to finance being available.

The costs for the works to the bus stops of £15,000 for works can be met from the
2007/08 allocation for Bus Stop Accessibility funded by Transport for London through
the Local Implementation Plan, subject to finance being available.


LEGAL IMPLICATIONS AND RISKS
Covered in the Area Committee report of 25th January 2007, namely,

Bus Stop Clearways do not require traffic orders, but current guidance suggests that
local consultations should take place.

Waiting restrictions require consultation and the advertisement of proposals before a
decision can be taken on their introduction.

Zebra Crossings require advertisement of proposals before a decision can be taken
on their introduction.


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HUMAN RESOURCES IMPLICATIONS AND RISKS
None.


SOCIAL INCLUSION & EQUALITIES IMPLICATIONS AND RISKS
Covered in the Area Committee report of 25th January 2007, namely,

Zebra Crossings impact on the street scene as they make use of road markings and
the familiar Belisha beacons. However, in road safety terms, it is suggested that this
is an acceptable impact.

The controlled area of zebra crossings (zig-zags) prevents any vehicle parking in all
but an emergency or maintenance situations and therefore can reduce on-street
parking capacity and make deliveries to properties behind a controlled area more
difficult. This is a balance-decision for Members to make.

The provision of controlled crossing facilities makes it easier for all sectors of the
community to cross busy streets, but is especially helpful to the elderly, disabled
people and children (both lone and accompanied).

The provision of fully accessible bus stops assists with making public transport more
inclusive to all sectors of the community and therefore provides an alternative to the
private motor car, which can help to reduce traffic congestion and pollution.

Bus Stop Clearways can displace on-street parking. The associated footway works
with providing accessible bus stops (and stands) can reduce the ability for footway
parking to be provided along the section of footway made fully-accessible.




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Reason for          To allow the scheme to proceed to public and statutory
Consultation:       consultation.



Dated:                                                        Signature

29th January 2007            Mark Philpotts
                             Principal Engineer


                             Mark Butler
                             Head of Technical Services

Chairman’s View:




Dated:   2nd February 2007   Councillor Fred Osborne          Chair




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      A

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