Agenda item

Scoping Report

The panel discussed the proposed objectives and associated work plans as set out in the scoping report. A summary of the key issues discussed by the panel is presented below.

The panel indicated that as the new Tottenham Hotspur development was billing itself as a leisure destination for 365 days a year, this should be reflected in parking controls and broader traffic management arrangements.   Officers indicated that Traffic Management would continue to monitor the situation and adapt parking or traffic controls as necessary.

The operation of the Blue Badge mobility scheme on match days was also discussed by the panel.  As there are less parking restrictions for Blue Badge holders there was a concern that this could be exploited through incorrect or fraudulent use of badges.  It was suggested that this should be included within the scope. Officers from Traffic Management indicated that it would not be viable (self financing) to employ a dedicated Blue Badge monitoring officer.

Agreed:   That a briefing is prepared on the operation of the Blue Badge scheme in Haringey together with monitoring and fraud identification processes.

The panel noted that there had been some discussion on the proposed supermarket and the possibility of football fans being able to use the car park on match days.  This car park had a capacity for 400 cars.

The panel noted that there was often spare capacity at Bury Road Car Park (400 spaces) and discussed whether this could be used as a parking solution on Tottenham Hotspur match days.  It was suggested that this could be marketed as a park and ride scheme which would have the added benefit of attracting additional footfall to Wood Green High Road.  Parking Service officers indicated that they would consider this option when assessing a range of parking options for the area.

Agreed:   That two additional objectives be included within the parking scope: 1) Assess parking restrictions around schools 2) Use of Blue Badge scheme on match days.

Agreed:   That given the scope of the work and the inclusion of additional objectives, the timescales for the planned work should be discussed with the Traffic Management service and amended accordingly.

Phillip Lane Walkabout

Officers from Traffic Management presented the findings from a walkabout that was conducted on Phillip Lane (Tottenham) with the Chair of the EHSP and 5 other Councillors from Tottenham, West Green and Bruce Grove Wards in December 2012.   The aim of this walkabout was to identify possible improvements to parking and traffic management schemes and to ascertain if this could be a viable approach for road traffic solutions across the Tottenham area as part of the review being undertaken by the panel.

The panel noted that 32 issues were indentified for rectification or adjustment from this walkabout. Those issues identified included:

§  Unnecessary double yellow lines which may prohibit business use;

§  Removal of conflicting signage

§  Faded yellow lines (double or single);

§  Bus stop ‘box’ too large;

§  Bus stop ‘box’ faded;

§  Controlled parking space on a bend in the road (safety issue).

The panel noted that whilst some of the indentified works or improvements could be enacted at minimal cost, other solutions would require additional capital/ revenue spend by the service.  The panel also indicated that it would be useful to have an indication of the order in which identified issues may need to be addressed (i.e. safety). As a next step, the panel indicated that it would be helpful if Traffic Management could identify what resources would be needed to implement those actions identified from the walkabout.

Agreed:   That Traffic Management should indicate what resources would be required to correct 32 traffic/parking issues identified from the Phillip Lane walkabout together with and priorities for action and completion timescales.

The panel noted that it would be important to publicise the assessments of this walkabout and any actions implemented as a result.  The panel noted that once further information was available (i.e. resource data) it would assess the viability of this approach as a process to help identify local traffic and parking solutions more widely across Tottenham.

The panel confirmed that it would be talking to parking services in other local authorities as part of its evidence gathering to help meet the scrutiny objectives set out in the agreed scoping report.