Date: 25
APRIL 2002
Title: OBJECTIONS
TO ADVERTISED TRAFFIC ORDERS
REPORT OF
THE STRATEGIC DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE AND ENVIRONMENT SERVICES
1. THE ISLE OF WIGHT COUNCIL (ESPLANADE, VENTNOR, IW) (EXPERIMENTAL PROHIBITION OF DRIVING) ORDER No 1 2002
SUMMARY
A proposal to introduce an experimental Prohibition of Driving Order, on the Esplanade, Ventnor, between the junction of Alma Road and the junction Esplanade Road was advertised in February 2002 and the following representations have been received.
A total of 54 letters have been received as well as 3 petitions. 2 of the petitions, containing a total of 321 signatures have written in support of the proposals with a further 3 letters of a similar nature. Due to the large number of representations, they have not been attached to the agenda but are available for viewing in Committee Services and will be available at the meeting.
The other petition containing 431 signatures and remaining 51 letters all object to the proposals.
The grounds for the objections are as follows:
The proposal would severely restrict delivery access and have a negative impact on the commercial viability of the businesses in the area. (21)
The proposal will force traffic to use Bath Road, in both directions, which is unsuitable for the purpose and will have a negative impact on road safety. (25)
The proposal has been advertised without sufficient prior consultation. (3)
The proposal will restrict access for the disabled (12)
The proposal will force traffic to use Esplanade Road, which is unsuitable for the purpose. In addition this would result in structural damage to adjacent properties. (17)
The proposal will result in a significant loss of parking. (12)
Ventnor Town Council have written confirming that it was their intention to introduce the experimental Order between 1st April and 30th September only.
EVALUATION
The current proposal was advertised as an experimental Order at the request of Ventnor Town Council, who have, for some time, been concerned about the safety of pedestrians in the area.
It was felt that such an initiative would generate a number of environmental and road safety benefits and would complement the seafront prior to the further enhancements expected from the construction of the forthcoming harbour scheme.
An experimental Order was proposed to allow for modifications to be made without the need to formally re-advertise them.
Having studied the accident data for the section of Esplanade under consideration I can confirm that only one personal injury accident has been recorded during the previous five-year period.
Although there is measurable support for the proposals, the weight of local opinion is against this scheme and in light of this I would recommend that no further action be taken to implement the Order.
POLICE
COMMENTS
Hampshire
Constabulary has not provided any written comment on the matter.
That no
action is taken to introduce the Order
BACKGROUND PAPERS
1 petition and 51 letters of
objection.
2 petitions and 3 letters in
support of the proposals.
Contact Point : Peter Taylor,
Principal Engineer (Traffic & Transportation)
M J A
FISHER
Strategic Director
Corporate
and Environment Services