25 10 April 2017
03 March 2017
File: (17/414)
Report no: TRS2017/2/98
Taita Drive - Proposed No Stopping At All Times Restrictions
Purpose of Report
1. The purpose of this report is to seek Council’s approval for the installation of No Stopping At All Times Restrictions along Taita Drive as shown in Appendix 1 attached to the report.
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Recommendations That the Traffic Subcommittee recommends that Council approves the installation of No Stopping At All Times Restrictions along Taita Drive as shown in Appendix 1 attached to the report. |
Background
2. Council has received several requests from commuters using Taita Drive to improve road safety in the vicinity of the Avalon Park development.
3. The concern expressed is that at times parked vehicles on both sides of the street narrow the carriageway to one lane only forcing drivers to cross the centreline and on occasions stop to give way to opposing traffic.
4. The requesters also note that there are high pedestrian volumes along Taita Drive and many children cross the road in the vicinity of Avalon Park.
Discussion
5. The installation of No Stopping At All Times Restrictions as proposed will ensure a safe carriageway width for traffic travelling in both directions and allow drivers to park on the Avalon Park side of the street so children do not need to cross the road to access Avalon Park after exiting parked vehicles.
Options
6. The options are:
i. To leave the area as it is without any restrictions and accept that the safety hazard will remain or,
ii. To install the proposed changes and improve safety for the benefit of all road users.
Consultation
7. Consultation documents on the proposal were delivered to the 10 directly affected properties from 28 to 40 Taita Drive, 31 Gadsby Street, 54 and 61 Frederick Street.
· Five (50%) questionnaires were returned.
̵ Two (40%) in support of the proposal.
̵ Three (60%) object to the proposal.
The reasons given by the objectors were:
̵ The proposal will have very little effect on parking along Taita Drive. It would be better to create some angle parking along Taita Drive and make the road wider.
̵ Our driveways are short and cannot accommodate visitors, where do you suggest our guests park?
̵ Parking is only an issue in the weekends. A fair and reasonable solution would be to enforce the existing restrictions on the park side.
Officers’ responses:
̵ Currently, there are approximately 300 car parks within the Avalon Park boundary, not counting surrounding streets.
̵ Parking will be available on the western side of the road.
̵ The parking issues may be worse in the weekend but they potentially exist at all times, particularly during the morning and evening peak traffic flows, therefore a comprehensive solution at this location is required.
8. Although there is less than 50% support from the local residents consulted, officers consider that the significant safety issues, particularly relating to children crossing the road to access Avalon Park, require a comprehensive solution and therefore recommend that the proposal be approved.
Legal Considerations
9. These restrictions are made pursuant to the provisions of the Hutt City Council Traffic Bylaw 2007 (Amended 20 November 2014).
Financial Considerations
10. These changes can be funded from Council’s 2016/2017 operational budget.
Other Considerations
11. In making this recommendation, officers have given careful consideration to the purpose of local government in section 10 of the Local Government Act 2002. Officers believe that this recommendation falls within the purpose of the local government in that it improves safety for the benefit of all road users. It does this in a way that is cost-effective because it utilises standard road markings and signs.
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Taita Drive - Proposed No Stopping At All Times Restrictions 17/414 |
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Author: Sylvio Leal
Traffic Engineer
Reviewed By: Zackary Moodie
Traffic Engineer
Approved By: Lyle Earl
Traffic Assets Manager