NEATH PORT TALBOT COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL

Streetscene & Engineering Cabinet Board

20th September 2019

Report of the Head of Engineering & Transport

David W. Griffiths

Matter for Decision

Wards Affected: Bryncoch North

Traffic Regulation Order for Prohibition of Waiting at Any Time:

Main Road, Furzeland Drive, Redwood Close and Firwood Close, Bryncoch, Neath

Purpose of the Report:

To consider the objections received following the advertisement of the above scheme, as indicated in Appendix A.

Executive Summary:

Six letters and one email objecting to the scheme were received.

Four letters supporting the scheme were received.

The report outlines the objections and the recommendations for the scheme.

Background:

The local Councillor and residents have raised concerns of indiscriminate parking on Main Road and Furzeland Drive, Bryncoch. It is of a particular concern on the bend on Furzeland Drive and in close proximity to the junctions of Furzeland Drive with Redwood Close and Firwood Close.

Financial Impacts:

The work will be funded by the Capital Works Programme.

Integrated Impact Assessment:

A first stage Impact Assessment has been undertaken to assist the Council in discharging its legislative duties (under the Equality Act 2010, the Welsh Language Standards (No.1) Regulations 2015, the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 and the Environment (Wales) Act 2016.

The first stage assessment, attached at Appendix C, has indicated that a more in-depth assessment is not required. A summary is included below:-

A full impact assessment is not required as the proposed Traffic Regulation Orders will provide a benefit for the local community.

Valleys Communities Impacts:

No implications.

Workforce Impacts:

No implications.

Legal Impacts:

The scheme was advertised for a 21-day period as part of the statutory process.

Risk Management Impacts:

No implications.

Consultation:

A consultation exercise was carried out when the scheme was advertised in June/July 2019.

Six letters and one email objecting to the scheme were received.

Four Letters supporting the scheme were received.

The objection letters are summarised as follows:-

Letter 1 – The resident objects to the scheme stating that vehicles that currently parked on Furzeland Drive would be displaced and would park in the surrounding streets.

Letter 2 – The resident suggests that the scheme be amended to restrict parking during school term times and between 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. This would then not have a detrimental effect on residents.

Letter 3 – The objector has concerns that they would no longer be able to park outside their property. A family member has health issues that require frequent visits from carers and family members.

Letter 4 - The resident objects to the scheme stating that displaced vehicles would park in the surrounding streets.

Letter 5 – The resident supports the parking restrictions at the junctions but objects to the length of the Traffic Order on Furzeland Drive.

Letter 6 – The resident objects to the proposed bus stop markings on Main Road.

Email – The resident suggests that the scheme be amended to restrict parking during school term times only.

After a meeting with the local Councillor it was decided to amend the proposals as indicated in Appendix B.

The proposed bus stop markings and Traffic Order on the west side of Main Road are to be omitted from the scheme. This area will be monitored and the proposals will be re-introduced if necessary.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:-

The proposed Traffic Orders on Furzeland Drive be amended as indicated in Appendix B and implemented on site.

The proposed bus stop markings and Traffic Order on the west side of Main Road be omitted from the scheme.

The objectors to be informed of the decision.

Reasons for Proposed Decision:

To prevent indiscriminate parking in the interest of highway safety.

Implementation of Decision:

The decision is proposed for implementation after the three day call in period.

Appendices:

Appendix A - Plan: Proposed Traffic Orders & Bus Stop markings Main Road & Furzeland Drive, Bryncoch

Appendix B – Plan: Proposed Traffic Orders & Bus Stop markings Main Road & Furzeland Drive, Bryncoch (amended following objections)

Appendix C – First Stage IIA

List of Background Papers:

None

Officer Contact:

Martin Brumby, Project Manager Highways – Engineering & Transport

Tel. No: 01639 686013

Email: environment@npt.gov.uk

James Kane, Senior Assistant Engineer - Engineering & Transport

Tel. No: 01639 686465

Email: environment@npt.gov.uk

Appendix A

Appendix B

Appendix C