Agenda and minutes

Andrew Rowley, Street Works and Coordination Engineer, to report.

-    to consider the effects of the pilot scheme of ‘no verge parking’ traffic regulation orders (TRO’s), which prohibit the parking of vehicles on grass verges, and to consider extending the scheme along with the installation of supplementary wooden posts.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by the Street Works and Co-ordination Engineer, relating to the effects of the pilot scheme of ‘no verge parking’ traffic regulation orders (TRO’s), which prohibit the parking of vehicles on grass verges, and to consider extending the scheme along with the installation of supplementary wooden posts.

Reference was made to a series of trail Traffic Regulation Orders that had targeted the main routes into Rotherham and details of the eight pilot sites, together with details of the TRO waiting restrictions, were set out in the report.

In addition the number of Penalty Charge Notices issued between November 2008 and August 2009, was also reported, noting that the trials indicated fewer motorists parking up on grass verges covered by the TRO’s.

It was explained that the condition of the verges had been regularly monitored and inspections had identified specific areas where new damage continued to be caused by motorists.  Actions being considered to prevent over-riding and short stay parking were proposed.

In conclusion it was reported that the trial had been successful and it was proposed that additional sites be identified for the introduction of further TRO’s to enable enforcement action to be taken.

It was stated that the costs involved would be covered by Streetpride’s Revenue Budget, and confirmed that the proposals were in full accord with the Council’s policy on verge parking, the LTP2 objectives and the requirements of The Traffic Management Act 2004.

Resolved:-  That, following the successful outcomes of the trial sites:-

(1)   the outcomes following the implementation of the trial be noted.

(2)  further sites where environmental benefits can be anticipated through TRO’s to deter verge parking be evaluated.

(3)  individual sites proposed be reported to Cabinet Members for approval.

Fiona Earl, Acting Finance Manager, to report.

-           to report the current position.

Consideration was given to a report, presented by Acting Finance Manager, detailing performance against the revenue budget for the Environment and Development Services Directorate as at the end of August 2009.

The report also set out a forecast outturn for the whole of the 2009/10 financial year.

Reference was made to the following key areas of pressure:-

-                      Consultancy work fee income

-                      restructuring costs within Culture and Leisure

-                      under recovery of income due to a reduced number of planning applications

-                      flood related costs (June 2009)

-                      under recovery of income on the Parking Budget

The following points were also reported and discussed:-

-                      Asset Management:- position as at last month

-                      Business Unit:-  further savings achieved

-                      Culture and Leisure:-  pressures within Sport and Recreation; on-going costs at Ulley Reservoir;  restructuring in Museums and Libraries

-                      Planning and Regeneration:-  use of the Housing Planning Delivery Grant to offset under-recovery of planning fee income

-                      Streetpride:-   energy costs on Street Lighting

-                      Office Accommodation – town centre moves

-                      Base Budget Reviews - proposals

Further detail was reported regarding management measures currently being taken to reduce the amount of overspend.

Resolved:-  (1)  That the current forecast year end outturn position of an overspend of £631,000 for the Environment & Development Services Directorate based on expenditure and income as at August 2009, be noted.

(2)  That the report be referred to the Regeneration Scrutiny Panel for information.