1                                       10 September 2018

HUTT CITY COUNCIL

 

Traffic Subcommittee

 

Report of a meeting held in the Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, 30 Laings Road,

Lower Hutt on

 Monday 10 September 2018 commencing at 3.00pm

 

 

 PRESENT:                       Cr M Cousins (Chair)  Cr C Barry                     

                                                          Cr L Bridson                 Cr S Edwards (Deputy Chair) (until 4.00pm)

                                                          Cr T Lewis                    Cr L Sutton

 

APOLOGIES:                  There were apologies received from Cr Briggs and from Cr Edwards for early departure.

 

IN ATTENDANCE:        Mr D Simmons, Traffic Asset Manager

                                           Mr J Gloag, Divisional Manager, Transport (part meeting)

                                           Mr D Wood, Traffic Engineer

                                           Mr Z Moodie, Traffic Engineer – Network Operations

                                           Ms D Male, Committee Advisor

 

 

PUBLIC BUSINESS

 

 

1.       APOLOGIES 

 Resolved:  (Cr Cousins/Cr Bridson)                                  Minute No. TRS 18401

“That the apology received from Cr Briggs be accepted and leave of absence be granted, and the apology for early departure received from Cr Edwards, be accepted.”

2.       PUBLIC COMMENT

Comments are recorded under the item to which they relate.      

3.       CONFLICT OF INTEREST DECLARATIONS   

Cr Edwards declared a conflict of interest on item 4i) Block Road – No Stopping At All Times Restrictions and took no part in discussion or voting on the matter.

Members noted Cr Bridson declared she was on the Regional Public Health Board.      

 

 

4.       Recommendations to Council - 9 October 2018

i)

Block Road - No Stopping At All Times Restrictions (18/1115)

 

Cr Edwards declared an interest in the item and took no part in discussion or voting on the matter.

 

The Traffic Engineer elaborated on the report.

In reponse to questions from members, the Traffic Asset Manager advised that there were no residences to consult with on Block Road. He further advised that it would be difficult to reclaim the costs if vehicle owners were to be charged for the recovery of their. He added that the area was within the remit of the RiverLink project, so large expenditure to provide a parking solution would not be cost effective.

 

RECOMMENDED:  (Cr Cousins/Cr Sutton)          Minute No. TRS 18402

“That the Traffic Subcommittee recommends that Council approves the installation of the proposed extension to the No Stopping At All Times Restrictions on Block Road, Melling as shown attached as Appendix 1 to the report.”

 

For the reason the extension of the parking restrictions will reduce the likelihood of vehicles being damaged by floodwaters and reduce the safety hazard associated with retrieval of vehicles from the floodwater.

 

ii)

Jackson Street - Proposed No Stopping At All Times Restrictions (18/1213)

 

The Traffic Engineer elaborated on the report.

 

Members noted that the Petone Community Board endorsed the recommendation contained in the officer’s report at its meeting held on 3 September 2018.

 

recommended:  (Cr Lewis/Cr Bridson)                        Minute No. TRS 18403

“That the Traffic Subcommittee recommends that Council approves the installation of No Stopping At All Times restrictions on Jackson Street, Petone as shown attached as Appendix 1 to the report.”

 

For the reasons the proposed restriction will improve accessibility to the existing bus stop and reduce the risk of vehicle conflict.

 

iii)

Eldon Grove - Proposed No Stopping At All Times Restrictions (18/1218)

 

Speaking under public comment, Mr Rutherford said that he had lived in Eldon Grove for 29 years. He advised that there was difficulty in parking, as not all the properties had ample parking on their property.

In response to questions from members, Mr Rutherford said that this issue with parking was all day on Saturdays, not just the morning and not on weekdays. He asked for the the restriction up to 4pm. He added that the buses parking on Eastern Hutt Road were an issue as cars had to stop to let trucks passed the buses.

 

The Traffic Engineer elaborated on the report. The Traffic Asset Manager added that the bus company usage of the land pre-dated the requirement of a resource consent. He noted it would be reviewed if a resource consent was required, for any change of usage.

In response to questions from members, the Traffic Asset Manager advised that most issues occurred when netball was played in winter on Saturday mornings. He added that he had no objection to extending the restrictions to later in the day, following public comment.

 

RECOMMENDED:  (Cr Sutton/Cr Barry)             Minute No. TRS 18404

“That the Traffic Subcommittee recommends that Council:

(i)        approves the installation of the proposed No Stopping At All Times and No Stopping Saturdays 7am to 4pm restrictions on Eldon Grove, Taita as shown attached as Appendix 2 to the report;

(ii)     asks officers to continue to work on the bus parking issue on Eastern Hutt Road, Taita; and

(iii)   asks that officers review the parking situation in the area around Eldon Grove and Eastern Hutt Road, Taita at an appropriate time in order to assess whether any further changes may be needed.”

 

For the reasons the proposed restrictions:

-      would prevent vehicles parking too close to driveways in the cul-de-sac turning areas;

-      would prevent parked vehicles restricting access to the street on Saturday mornings when parking demand is highest due to sport at the nearby Taita College;

-      promote compliance with the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004; and

-      are supported by the local residents who responded to the consultation documents. These markings will also promote compliance with the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004.

 

iv)

Brookfield Lane - Proposed Give Way Control Crowther Road - Proposed Stop Control (18/1228)

 

The Traffic Engineer elaborated on the report.

 

Members noted that the Wainuiomata Community Board endorsed the recommendation contained in the officer’s report at its meeting held on 5 September 2018.

 

RECOMMENDED:  (Cr Barry/Cr Edwards)          Minute No. TRS 18405

“That the Traffic Subcommittee recommends that Council:

(i)    approves the proposed Give-Way Control and associated signage at the intersection of Brookfield Lane and Moores Valley Road, Wainuiomata, as shown attached as Appendix 1 to the report; and

(ii)   approves the proposed Stop Control and associated signage at the intersection of Crowther and Moores Valley Roads, Wainuiomata as shown attached as Appendix 2 to the report.”

 

For the reasons:

-      The proposed changes at Brookfield Lane will reduce motorist confusion and reduce the likelihood of vehicle conflict.

-      The existing control at Crowther Road does not meet the recommended sight distance requirements for a Give Way control. When sight distance is restricted, a Stop control is required.

-      The proposed markings will encourage compliance with the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004.

 

v)

Bolton Street - Proposed Mobility Carpark Relocation (18/1300)

 

The Traffic Engineer elaborated on the report.

 

In response to a question from a member, the Traffic Engineer advised that the option in the recommendation of the officer’s report had been provided to the disabled customer who had raised the initial request, following the Petone Community Board meeting. No feedback had been received.

In response to a question from a member, the Traffic Asset Manager advised that the Accessibility and Inclusiveness Plan Advisory Group was asked to provide comment on the proposed relocation, but instead commented more globally on accessibility parking within the city.

Members noted that the Petone Community Board endorsed the recommendation contained in the officer’s report at its meeting held on

3 September 2018.

 

RECOMMENDED:  (Cr Lewis/Cr Sutton)             Minute No. TRS 18406

“That the Traffic Subcommittee recommends that Council approves the relocation of the existing mobility carpark from Jackson Street to Bolton Street, Petone as shown attached as Appendix 1 to the report.”

 

For the reasons:

-      The proposed location on Bolton Street is better suited to a mobility carpark due to the extra space available and more level carriageway.

-      These markings will also promote compliance with the New Zealand Standard 4121:2001 Section 5 (Access and Mobility).

-      It will support Council’s Parking Policy 2017.

 

vi)

Mabey Road - Proposed Mobility Carpark (18/1309)

 

The Traffic Engineer elaborated on the report.

 

RECOMMENDED:  (Cr Edwards/Cr Sutton)         Minute No. TRS 18407

“That the Traffic Subcommittee recommends that Council approves the installation of a Mobility Carpark on Mabey Road, Avalon as shown attached as Appendix 1 to the report.”

 

For the reasons:

-      The existing Mobility Carpark is inconveniently located, at the opposite end of the parking area from the hall entrance ramp.

-      The proposed space will comply with the requirements of New Zealand Standard 4121:2001 Section 5 (Access and Mobility).

 

vii)

Hathaway Avenue and Troon Crescent - Proposed Stop Controls (18/1320)

 

Speaking under public comment, Mr Timmins believed there were significant safety issues at the intersection of Troon Crescent and Hathaway Avenue, with the intersection being a blind corner. He suggested marking a centreline to encourage cars to stay on their side of the road. He also suggested a stop sign on Military Road and speed humps.

In response to a question from a member, Mr Timmins clarified that he was neutral on the recommendations within the officer’s report. He was suggesting further options.

The Chair drew members’ attention to the information from Mr Olds which had been circulated to members on the day of the meeting.

 

The Traffic Engineer elaborated on the report.

The Traffic Asset Manager in response to the public speaker advised members of the requirements of when a stop sign or giveway sign would be required. He added that it was vegetation and boundary fences that impeded sight distances in this instance. Where there were no road markings or sign, giveway would be implied. He further advised that the issues raised on speed control were not the subject of the recommendations in the officer’s report. He added that the area would be reviewed within the next few years.

In response to questions from members, the Traffic Asset Manager advised there was no history of crashes in the area. He noted the complaint raised initially had been about vehicles exiting the golf course on Military Road and Troon Crescent. He added that by installing stop controls, more people would slow down and it would also provide guidance on where it was safe to stop. He said that any further modifications would require separate consultations.

 

RECOMMENDED:  (Cr Edwards/Cr Lewis)          Minute No. TRS 18408

“That the Traffic Subcommittee recommends that Council:

(i)    approves the installation of Stop controls at the intersections of Hathaway Avenue and Troon Crescent with Military Road, Boulcott shown attached as Appendix 1 to the report;

(ii)   approves the installation of Stop controls at both ends of Fry Street where it intersects with Troon Crescent and Boulcott Street, Boulcott as shown attached as Appendix 2 to the report; and

(iii) asks officers to review adding a centreline on Hathaway Avenue near the junction into Troon Crescent, Boulcott.”

 

For the reasons:

-      The proposed changes will improve road safety.

-      The sight distances available to motorists approaching the intersections are restricted by roadside development and vegetation and warrant the installation of Stop controls.

-      The proposed changes will promote compliance with the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004.

 

viii)

Bay Street - Proposed P30 Parking Restrictions (18/1333)

 

The Traffic Asset Manager elaborated on the report.

 

Members noted that the Petone Community Board endorsed the recommendation contained in the officer’s report at its meeting held on

3 September 2018.

 

RECOMMENDED:  (Cr Lewis/Cr Bridson)                        Minute No. TRS 18409

“That the Traffic Subcommittee recommends that Council approves the installation of P30 parking restrictions over two existing car parks on The Esplanade, Petone as shown attached as Appendix 1 to the report.”

 

For the reasons the proposed restrictions:

-      would improve parking turnover and availability for local business customers;

-      support Council’s Parking Policy 2017; and

-      are supported by the directly affected residents.

 

Precendence of business

In accordance with Standing Order 10.4, the Chair accorded precedence to item 4.xvii) dealing with Cambridge Terrace – Proposed P120 Parking Restrictions.

 

The item is recorded in the order in which was listed on the order paper.

 

ix)

Rodney Street - Proposed P120 Parking Restrictions (18/1345)

 

Cr Barry left the meeting at 3.57pm.

The Traffic Asset Manager elaborated on the report.

Cr Barry rejoined the meeting at 3.58pm.

Members expressed support to encourage use of public transport. They considered the recommendations contained within the officer’s report were a good compromise as some of the feedback on the consultation requested further restrictions.

 

RECOMMENDED:  (Cr Bridson/Cr Barry)            Minute No. TRS 18410

“That the Traffic Subcommittee recommends that Council approves the installation of No Stopping At All Times restrictions, L and T bar parking markings and P120 parking restrictions on Rodney Street, Waiwhetu as shown attached as Appendix 1 to the report.”

 

For the reasons the proposed restrictions would:

-      improve parking availability and accessibility on the street for the benefit of all road users;

-      promote compliance with the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004; and

-      support Council’s Parking Policy 2017.

Cr Edwards left the meeting at 4.00pm.

x)

High Street - Proposed No Stopping At All Times Parking Restrictions (18/1346)

 

The Traffic Asset Manager elaborated on the report.

 

RECOMMENDED:  (Cr Sutton/Cr Bridson)           Minute No. TRS 18411

“That the Traffic Subcommittee recommends that Council approves the installation of No Stopping At All Times Restrictions on High Street, Avalon as shown attached as Appendix 1 to the report.”

 

For the reasons the proposed restrictions would:

-      Facilitate the installation of a new pedestrian refuge island to improve road safety and pedestrian accessibility.

-      Promote compliance with the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004.

 

xi)

Kings Crescent - Proposed No Stopping At All Times Restrictions (18/1347)

 

The Traffic Asset Manager elaborated on the report.

 

recommended:  (Cr Bridson/Cr Barry)                         Minute No. TRS 18412

“That the Traffic Subcommittee recommends that Council approves the installation of No Stopping At All Times restrictions on Kings Crescent, Lower Hutt as shown attached as Appendix 1 to the report.”

 

For the reasons the proposed restrictions:

-      would improve safety, sight distance and accessibility within the street for the benefit of all road users;

-      would promote compliance with the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004; and

-      are supported by the local residents that responded to the petition document.

 

xii)

Whiteman Grove - Proposed No Stopping At All Times Parking Restrictions (18/1349)

 

The Traffic Asset Manager elaborated on the report.

 

RECOMMENDED:  (Cr Sutton/Cr Lewis)             Minute No. TRS 18413

“That the Traffic Subcommittee recommends that Council approves the installation of No Stopping At All Times restrictions on Whiteman Grove, Taita as shown attached as Appendix 1 to the report.”

 

 

 

For the reasons the proposed restrictions:

-      would improve accessibility within the street for the benefit of all road users;

-      promote compliance with the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004;

-      support Council’s Parking Policy 2017;

-      are supported by the local residents who responded to the consultation documents.

 

xiii)

Witako Street - Proposed No Stopping At All Times Restrictions (18/1356)

 

The Traffic Asset Manager elaborated on the report.

 

RECOMMENDED:  (Cr Cousins/Cr Bridson)         Minute No. TRS 18414

“That the Traffic Subcommittee recommends that Council approves the installation of No Stopping At All Times Restrictions, and L and T bar parking markings on Witako Street, Epuni as shown attached as Appendix 1 to the report.”

 

For the reasons the proposed restrictions:

-      would improve sight distance and the road safety level of service within the street for the benefit of all road users;

-      improve accessibility to the driveway of Nº 38A Witako Street; and

-      are supported by the local residents who responded to the consultation documents.

 

xiv)

Marsden Street - Proposed No Stopping At All Times Restrictions (18/1357)

 

The Traffic Asset Manager elaborated on the report.

 

RECOMMENDED:  (Cr Cousins/Cr Barry)                        Minute No. TRS 18415

“That the Traffic Subcommittee recommends that Council approves the installation of No Stopping At All Times Restrictions on Marsden Street, Melling as shown attached as Appendix 1 to the report.”

 

For the reasons the proposed restrictions:

-      would improve safety within the street for the benefit of all road users; and

-      would promote compliance with the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004.

 

xv)

Oakleigh Street - Proposed P30 Parking Restrictions (18/1358)

 

The Traffic Asset Manager elaborated on the report.

 

RECOMMENDED:  (Cr Cousins/Cr Sutton)          Minute No. TRS 18416

“That the Traffic Subcommittee recommends that Council approves the installation of P30 Parking Restrictions on Oakleigh Street, Maungaraki as shown attached as Appendix 1 to the report.”

 

For the reasons the proposed restrictions:

-      would improve accessibility, parking availability and general parking turnover for customers of local businesses;

-      support Council’s Parking Policy 2017; and

-      are supported by the local residents who responded to the consultation documents.

 

xvi)

Eastern Hutt Road - Proposed No Stopping on the Grass Restrictions (18/1359)

 

The Traffic Asset Manager elaborated on the report.

 

recommended:  (Cr Sutton/Cr Bridson)           Minute No. TRS 18417

“That the Traffic Subcommittee recommends that Council approves the installation of No Parking on the Grass restrictions on Eastern Hutt Road, Taita as shown attached as Appendices 1-6 to the report.”

 

For the reasons the proposed restrictions:

-      would prevent damage to the grass berm and reduce repair and maintenance costs; and

-      would promote compliance with Council’s Traffic Bylaw 2017.

 

xvii)

Cambridge Terrace - Proposed P120 Parking Restrictions (18/1396)

 

Speaking under public comment, Ms D Tunnicliffe representing the Hutt Valley Sexual Abuse Support and Healing Centre said the the P120 parking restrictions had been requested to assist customers of the centre. She added that it could be stressful for customers to find parking, the centre had been there for 20 years.

In response to a question from a member, Ms Tunnicliffe advised that there was no offstreet parking available at the centre. She confirmed that there was an adjoining alleyway, which customers of the centre did not feel comfortable using.

 

RECOMMENDED:  (Cr Edwards/Cr Barry)          Minute No. TRS 18418

“That the Traffic Subcommittee recommends that Council approves the installation of No Stopping at all Times restrictions, P120 parking restrictions and parking bay markings on Cambridge Terrace, Waiwhetu as shown attached as Appendix 1 to the report.”

 

For the reasons the proposed restrictions:

-      would improve parking availability and accessibility on the street for the benefit of the Hutt Valley Sexual Abuse Support and Healing Centre;

-      support Council’s Parking Policy 2017;

-      promote compliance with the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004; and

-      are supported by the local residents who signed the petition documents.

 

xviii)

Belmont School - Proposed Mobility and No Parking on Grass Restrictions (18/1397)

 

The Traffic Asset Manager agreed to review the lighting in the area.

 

RECOMMENDED:  (Cr Cousins/Cr Sutton)          Minute No. TRS 18419

“That the Traffic Subcommittee recommends that Council approves the following outside Belmont School:

(a)   the proposed Mobility car park, as shown attached as Appendix 1 to the report;

(b)   the proposed No Parking On the Grass restrictions, as shown attached as Appendix 1 to the report;

(c)   the proposed No Stopping At All Times restrictions, as shown attached as Appendix 1 to the report; and

(d)   the existing No Stopping At All Times restrictions, as shown attached as Appendix 1 to the report.”

 

For the reasons the proposed restrictions:

-      would improve safety, sight distance and accessibility within the area for the benefit of all road users;

-      promote compliance with the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004; and

-      support Council’s Parking Policy 2017.

 

5.       QUESTIONS   

There were no questions.

 

 

There being no further business the Chair declared the meeting closed at 4.16pm.

 

 

 

 

Cr MJ Cousins

CHAIR

 

 

 

 

CONFIRMED as a true and correct record

Dated this 9th day of October 2018