MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE REGULATORY APPEALS COMMITTEE HELD AT COUNTY HALL, NEWPORT, ISLE OF WIGHT ON FRIDAY 25 JANUARY 2002 COMMENCING AT 10.00 AM

Present :

Miss H L Humby (Chairman), Mrs T M Butchers, Mr A A Taylor

Also Present :

Mr M J Cunningham, Mr J F Howe, Mr A F Tiltman

 20.      DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST

There were no declarations received at this stage.

21.      OBJECTIONS TO TRAFFIC ORDERS - THE ISLE OF WIGHT COUNCIL (HIGH STREET, NEWPORT, IW) (EXPERIMENTAL PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER NO 1 2002; THE ISLE OF WIGHT COUNCIL (ST THOMAS’ SQUARE, NEWPORT, IW AND ST JAMES’ SQUARE, NEWPORT, IW) (EXPERIMENTAL PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER NO 1 2002

Consideration was given to the two experimental traffic regulation Orders advertised in connection with the relocation of Newport’s Tuesday Market to the town centre. One Order would prohibit vehicles from using part of the High Street between St. James’ Square and Holyrood Street during the period 7am to 4pm on Tuesdays. There would be an exemption for buses operating scheduled services. Modifications to the current Order covering St. James’ and St. Thomas’ Squares was also proposed to enable the market traders to set up and take down their stalls. Diversion signs would be placed at appropriate junctions to take traffic away from the High Street.

It was intended that the market would be for an initial 13 week period but the experimental Orders were for a period of up to 18 months. Members were informed that the Highways Department had carried out a safety audit to ensure safe movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

           The local member addressed the Committee and spoke against the proposals as he remained concerned over safety issues. The adjoining member put forward concerns as to the siting of market stalls in the High Street. Southern Vectis outlined concerns as to the potential for conflict between pedestrians and the company’s vehicles which would still be operating in the High Street. The Police expressed concerns over the enforcement of parking restrictions to enable the market to be set up early on Tuesday mornings. The views of the Fire Service were also noted. In addition seven letters relating to proposed Order had been received and the main points were summarized to the Committee. Members were advised that as the Orders made on an experimental basis changes could be carried out without the need to formally re-advertise them.

RESOLVED :

THAT the Isle of Wight Council (High Street, Newport, IW) (Experimental Prohibition of Driving) Order No 1 2002 and the Isle of Wight Council (St Thomas’ Square, Newport, IW and St James’ Square, Newport, IW) (Experimental Prohibition of Driving) Order No 1 2002 be implemented as advertised.

CHAIRMAN