Business Manager, Martin Chisholm will be attending the meeting to answer questions from the Panel. Members of the Panel are encouraged to submit questions in advance to rebecca.parker@west-norfolk.gov.uk
Minutes:
The Business Manager had been invited to the meeting to respond to questions from the Panel regarding parking issues. Questions and responses are summarised below.
Councillor Bubb asked if the Council were able to mark divisions in the on street parking bays. He provided a photograph of where a vehicle had parked in the middle of the bays. The Business Manager explained that there could be less space if the bays were marked as bays would have to be marked out to the maximum length, whereas some cars were smaller than the maximum. The issue could be raised with Norfolk County Council if required as the area in question was currently not subject to a traffic regulation order for lineage.
Councillor Bubb also displayed photos relating to the pavements at the pedestrian entrance to the Cattle Market Car Park. He explained that the West Norfolk Disability Forum had raised issues regarding problems with the pavement being cracked and unstable, but they were yet to be resolved. The Business Manager asked that, if anyone was aware of pavement issues etc., which could cause imminent danger, they should report them immediately so that they could be investigated. The Business Manager explained that investigations were ongoing at the bus station regarding problem areas and some areas currently had barriers round them where there was a hazard yet to be repaired.
Councillor Bubb asked if an update was available on improvements to lighting at the taxi rank at the Cattle Market. He also asked if seating could be installed near the taxi rank and asked how much the cycle rack had cost in the Cattle Market Car Park. The Business Manager responded by asking for suggestions on where Councillor Bubb felt it would be appropriate to locate seating near the taxi rank, given the traffic movement in the area. He confirmed that the cycle racks had cost approximately £6,000 and were included as part of the redevelopment of the bus station and he felt that they were well used. Councillor Mrs Collop commented that the cycle rack was a two tier rack and she would find it difficult to mount her bicycle on the top rack. The Business Manager explained that both racks were well used and the top rack was often preferred by commuters, who left their bicycles for longer periods of time. The Business Manager commented that there were also bicycle racks and lockers available at the multi storey car park. Councillor Bubb was informed that the lighting at the Cattle Market was currently being looked at. A technical specification was being put together prior to going out for tender.
Councillor Smith asked if there was anything that could be done about parking problems in areas where a provided car park was small, for example small local convenience stores. The Business Manager explained that sometimes there was an overspill issue with small car parks adjoining small convenience stores, but contrary to popular belief parked cars on the side of the road often slowed vehicles down which could be beneficial to pedestrians in the area. He explained that Norfolk County Council would have to make the decision as to if a specific area should be subject to a traffic regulation order.
Councillor Hipperson referred to on street parking issues in Marham, near the main gate to the RAF base. The Business Manager explained that there were no restrictions on the carriageway and the Borough Council could only enforce existing restrictions, again the area would require a traffic regulation order to apply restrictions and this would be a Norfolk County Council decision.
In response to a question regarding how close to a junctions cars were allowed to park, the Business Manager explained that there was no legal requirement on distance in the Highway Code, however consideration needed to be given to safety and line markings on the road. Action against dangerous parking would be the responsibility of the Police.
Councillor Rochford asked about car parking capacity and the Business Manager explained that car parks were rarely at capacity. Long term central car parks were well subscribed and car park usage was monitored. Car parking in the lead up to Christmas was often busy, as would be expected. In response to a further question regarding the smart pay technology, the Business Manager explained that this was still in progress. The current supplier did not yet provide an App, which it was felt would be the most convenient way for people to pay and also different tariffs were unavailable via smart pay, so alternative options were being considered. The Business Manager explained that the facility would be rolled out in due course.
With regards to the cycle network in King’s Lynn and vehicles parked blocking cycle lanes, the Business Manager explained that the Council could only carry out enforcement on adopted cycle paths, which were the ones with a blue disc and solid white line, which meant that they were covered by a traffic regulation order. Councillor Hopkins referred to the cycle path along Morstons Drift, which was often blocked by vehicles and the Business Manager explained that this cycle path had only recently been adopted, and therefore enforcement action could be carried out in the future.
The Business Manager explained that if Members were aware of real time or ongoing issues with car parking they should contact parking.operations@west-norfolk.gov.uk resources could then be diverted to the area in question, if appropriate.