The Director of Technical Services reported concerning objections to the provision of waiting restrictions at two locations following an audit of school keep clear and associated Traffic Regulation Orders around the vicinity of all schools, within Wirral. The purpose of the audit was to ensure compliance with current DfT regulations and resolve a number of anomalies where schools had changed their entrances. The School Keep Clear Markings were used to protect pedestrians so that they have clear visibility of traffic and vice versa as well as identifying a safe area around the school.

(i)  Elleray Park School, Wallasey

Residents of Elleray Park (property numbers 34 and 36) had submitted two separate objections to the proposals, as shown on plan BEng/51/10.

Both objectors were concerned that the proposals would exacerbate the problems they face in parking outside their properties, as at present there was no signage to delineate the hours in which drivers cannot stop on the School Keep Clear markings. If parking was restricted by a traffic regulation order it was anticipated that vehicles would then park opposite the school, outside their properties. The objectors felt that the parking issues were mainly caused by teaching staff / visitors who park for long periods of time throughout the day.

The Panel received an email representation which was circulated in advance of the meeting.

(ii)  Brackenwood Primary School , Pulford Road, Bebington

Residents from property numbers 3, 5 and 7 had objected to the proposals detailed in plan BEng/51/10.  This was further supported by objections from Councillors Jerry Williams and Walter Smith.

Objectors were concerned that they, or their visitors would not be able to park outside their properties or anywhere within the turning head during its hours of operation (Monday- Friday 8am – 5 pm), despite the ‘school run’ being a problem for part of the day. They also felt that the proposals would displace parking towards the junction of Holmway / Norbury Avenue, and increase double parking or parking across driveways.

The Panel received email representations which were circulated in advance of the meeting.

Councillor Walter Smith addressed the meeting. He referred to his discussions with the objectors and asked the Panel to consider the introduction of an ‘Access Only’ scheme as a possible alternative proposal.

The Director referred to difficulties concerning the enforcement of ‘Access Only’ schemes and pointed out that vehicular access was still required to the school.

Resolved –

(1)  That the Panel note the objections to the scheme for provision of waiting restrictions at Elleray Park School, as shown on plan BEng/51/10, and the officers’ responses, and recommend to the Sustainable Communities Overview & Scrutiny Committee that the scheme be approved for implementation.

(2)  That the scheme for provision of waiting restrictions at Brackenwood Primary School be deferred for further consideration of the alternative ‘Access Only’ scheme.