At its meeting on 26 February 2014 the Committee was asked to consider a report in relation to parking on pavements and grass verges (Minute No. 22 refers). It was resolved:

‘That this Committee looks forward to working with Highway Officers to tackle the problem of parking on pavements and grass verges and they be invited to attend the next meeting to progress this’.

As such relevant Officers have been invited to outline any progress/future projects in relation to this matter.

At its last meeting held on 26 February 2014 the Committee had been asked to consider a report in relation to parking on pavements and grass verges (Minute No. 22 refers). It was resolved:

‘That this Committee looks forward to working with Highway Officers to tackle the problem of parking on pavements and grass verges and they be invited to attend the next meeting to progress this’.

Consequently, the Group Leader (Road Safety) was in attendance at the meeting to outline any progress/future projects in relation to this matter.  He reported that pavement parking was a vexatious issue nationally.  There was a blanket ban on it in the Greater London area but the rest of the country was left to implement restrictions. To do this involved the introduction of a Traffic Regulation Order plus appropriate signage.

The Group Leader (Road Safety) informed that legislation regarding pavement parking was very complex.  Action could be taken if the Council could prove that damage had been caused as a result and so witnesses who saw the damage being done were required.  The Police had powers to deal with pavement parking but it was a witness able offence and Police Officers had to see it happening before taking action.  If they witnessed an obstruction they could act. Members noted that grass verges were constantly being damaged but it was difficult to prove who had caused the damage.

The Group Leader (Road Safety) informed the Committee that he was willing to speak to the Task and Finish Group about warning people and encouraging them to be better community minded and not park on grass verges and pavements.

The Group Leader (Road Safety) was then asked a number of questions which he answered as appropriate.  Matters discussed included the following:

·  There was a problem of unseated kerbs on Kings Road by Sunnybank because motorists parked on the kerb.  The damage had been caused by a serial offender and there had been 50/60 complaints from residents about it.  The person concerned had not been invoiced for the damage caused.  The answer to this could be a Traffic Regulation Order but the cost of this would be an issue.

·  The offenses being committed needed to be determined and then Officers should take them forward with the Parking Enforcement Contractor.

·  Some Members had not heard of motorists being prosecuted for parking on verges and pavements but they were aware that recently, a person had been prosecuted for placing stones on the grass verge to deter motorists from parking there.  Under the Highways Act stones should not be placed on verges.  If damage was caused to vehicles as a consequence of this the Council was legally obligated to take action because stones should not be there.

·  Preventative measures should be taken where there was a particular issue.

·  The Council needed to work with the community as much as possible to bring about improvement.

RESOLVED: That

(1)  the Group Leader (Road Safety) be thanked for his report and attendance at the meeting; and

(2)  the Group Leader (Road Safety) be requested to work with the Task and Finish Group to pick up and progress all of the transport issues raised.