All of the early consultation in planning for controlled parking zones (CPZs) is informal, and is geared to developing detailed proposals, which match the needs of the local community as closely as possible.
After a statutory consultation with the Emergency Services, transport providers and others, we draw up a Traffic Management Order (TMO), which will give the controls their effect.
We then advertise the TMO in the press. The regulations require us to advertise 'in a newspaper circulating in the area in which any road or other place to which the order relates is situated'. We normally advertise in the Mercury, and sometimes in the Evening Standard.
Once the Traffic Order has been made, we can begin the necessary lining work (both the marking out of the bays and of the yellow line restrictions).
It is usually quicker and cheaper to remove all existing lines from the road and to replace them than it is to fit new lines jigsaw puzzle-like round existing ones. Lines are scabbled (i.e. scraped) off rather than burnt off in residential areas.
Residents of each road are given notice of when lining works are to be carried out. The Notice will specify that the Council has a five-day road closure order. However it is rare that we ever need to close a road to complete lining work. It will usually be necessary for drivers to remove their cars while the lines are painted, however.
Wet weather can delay the lining work, as lines cannot be laid on wet or damp road surfaces. If the weather is poor and lining work falls behind schedule please bear with us. We will keep you as well informed on progress as we can.
Once lining and signing work is nearly complete we give notice to all households of the date of the start of enforcement. We would aim to give around two weeks notice of the start of enforcement in order to allow residents sufficient time to purchase permits.
Design process
The first priority in any CPZ is safety and for that reason all junctions are double yellow lined (The Highway Code [section 217] tells drivers not to park within 10 metres of a junction, for safety reasons), as are bends where access is limited. We use double or sometimes single yellow lines to protect 3 metres width of carriageway space for emergency and essential service vehicle access, and to protect driveways and manoeuvring space.
Residents are given first priority in the use of the remaining space. In some streets, unfortunately there is insufficient space for all the residents' needs, and even in a CPZ we cannot guarantee the availability of space in your street.
Normally there is some space in excess of residents’ requirements and this is usually allocated to pay and display bays near the commercial centre, to provide parking for customers of local business. Where possible there will also be some business bays. Often some bays will be dual (P&D and business users) or triple (P&D, business and residents) use.
The review
We aim to review every CPZ within the first 18 months of operation, once residents have had a little time to see how the restrictions operate in practice. All zones are reviewed again every 10 years or so to see if the restrictions are still appropriate or whether they should be altered in the light of changes in the local economy etc.
As part of the review we carry out another consultation, usually in the form of a leaflet with a tear-off slip asking residents and businesses for their views on the restrictions in operation. Residents and businesses are also welcome to write in to us at any time, outlining any difficulties they are having.
It is sometimes necessary to carry out further consultation on specific changes that may affect small groups of residents, in order to ensure that where possible the wishes of the majority are implemented.
Local consultation issues
At the heart of the design process is local consultation. Local residents are extensively consulted within the area of any proposed zone and on the borders of it. Before any proposals are drawn up we seek the views of residents on the issue of having a zone at all. This is done through a 'blank canvas' consultation.
If it is clear that we have the broad support of residents we will draw up a draft design. We will then hold a public exhibition to show residents and local businesses the design and invite their comment on it. Local people know their area best and will usually be able to offer constructive suggestions.
We then amend the plans to take account of residents' comments The proposals are then put forward for 'statutory' consultation with the Emergency Services and other representative groups.
If we do not have the broad support of residents we will not normally proceed with the development of a zone. However when we do have majority support it does not mean that we can satisfy every individual's requirements.
A commonly raised issue is over the impact of lots of signage. We are very conscious of the visual impact on an area of extra traffic signs. Signs in a zone are kept to a minimum and are displayed as unobtrusively as possible without becoming invisible to the motorist!
FAQ
How long does it take to implement a CPZ?
The whole process from the first plans and consultation to having a zone in on the ground can take up to 18 months. This may sound like a long time but we feel it is better to develop our plans in partnership with the local community, and have the detail more or less right by the time the zone is implemented.