Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council Policy and Guidelines for Residents Parking Schemes / Zones APPENDICES 1
INTRODUCTION This document sets out the Councils policy towards the provision of residents parking schemes on the local road network within Tameside. A residents parking scheme is introduced by way of a Traffic Regulation Order ( TRO ). It is one of many means of controlling on-street parking, through the issue of parking permits to individual persons for the use of specified vehicles. It is not a means of controlling access to certain areas as short term parking by any vehicle should ideally be accommodated within the area. A residents parking scheme will generally not be considered along A/B roads, main distributor roads, traffic sensitive streets, where vehicles are currently not permitted to park, in areas of significant landscape conservation or where an area of outstanding natural beauty has been designated. BACKGROUND Public highways are, and always have been, provided for the movement of people, vehicles and goods. The primary right of the public is to pass and repass along the highway. However, parking has long been recognised as being incidental to this right and thus lawful. In general unless such parking would be deemed an obstruction, or a legal restriction is in place, kerbside space is available for anyone to park on. In some areas, off-street parking is provided through car parks managed by the Council. However, as charges may be levied and waiting times may be restricted, these are more suitable for short-term visitors than for local residents. Householders are often resentful when others park outside their homes, even where the householder does not actually have the use of a car. Some residents even believe, incorrectly, that they actually have rights to park on the road outside their property. A, B, main distributor roads and traffic sensitive streets in particular are provided and maintained to facilitate the movement of traffic. The needs of residents, businesses and others have to be balanced to the need to keep traffic moving safely on these roads. Hence it is unlikely that a residents parking scheme would be considered on such a route. Where an area contains a mixture of land uses, such as residential, business, shopping, commerce, school and transport facilities, and the residents may feel swamped by the daily influx of other vehicles. Even where the residents have off-street parking facilities, they may on occasion be obstructed by others and may feel that their quality of life is suffering. For driveway obstruction, residents parking may not be suitable and is a matter for the police at the present time. Where the same problems are experienced in a predominantly residential area, which is adjacent to other developments that attract large numbers of parked vehicles and the daily intrusion of long-term parking is particularly resented and there may be call for residents only parking. Whilst there is no specific duty for the local authority to pursue residents parking schemes, if they meet the criteria set out in this Policy, then due consideration will be given to such schemes in line with resources to pursue residents wellbeing. In addition schemes will also be considered where a third party such as a developer, the district council or some other body funds/pursues the scheme development. 2
KEY PRINCIPLES The main element of any residents parking scheme is the displacement of extraneous long-term parking by enforceable restrictions. Generally, lengths of road space are prescribed for limited waiting, possibly through on-street parking meters, whilst some road space is prescribed for residents -only parking. Some schemes allow residents displaying a permit to park without further charge in areas where charges for short-term parking are implemented. The residents who have a car purchase a permit, to be displayed inside the windscreen when it is parked in the prescribed area. The purchase of such a permit does not entitle the resident to park in any particular space, neither is any space guaranteed. It does permit them to park for long periods. Whilst the scheme will permit short-term visitor parking, long-stay visitors will have to park outside the controlled area. Since a major feature of any such scheme is the displacement of large numbers of parked cars, particular thought must be given to where those vehicles will go thereafter. To avoid them simply being displaced into other residential streets, outside the limits of the scheme under consideration, off-street parking space, ideally in the vicinity, may be already. This parking space provision should be sufficient to accommodate most of the displaced vehicles. However, where the measure is introduced as part of an urban area parking strategy with ample Park and Ride facilities this may be appropriate. When this is not done, the displaced vehicles may simply replicate the same problem again in another nearby area. Residents parking schemes can have a negative impact on local businesses. In central urban areas where there is insufficient space to provide parking then alternative provision should be available or implemented, such as park and ride schemes, or controlled parking by the introduction of limited waiting through a TRO The purchase of a permit does not guarantee a parking place. In certain locations, road space is at a premium, especially older terraced style properties, where the number of vehicles owned by each property can exceed the road space across the frontage area of the property. The matter is further exacerbated when properties are converted for multi occupancy, creating further demand for kerbside parking space. CRITERIA FOR THE PROVISION OF A RESIDENTS PARKING SCHEME The Council has adopted the criteria set out below in the consideration of any proposed schemes. However, it should be noted that when residents are apprised of both the advantages and disadvantages of such schemes, only a minority may be interested in proceeding further. More commonly residents seek to be exempted from existing waiting restrictions, which cannot be done. Applications for a Residents Parking Scheme will only be considered if it is genuinely considered that the majority of residents in the area / vicinity want such a scheme. (the Council will then undertake a survey subject to the process identified below to ascertain the local views). Majority is defined as:- At least 50% of residents (1 per dwelling within a zone) must support the introduction of a Residents Parking Scheme. If less then 50% of residents respond to the questionnaire it is then assumed that the residents are unwilling to support the introduction of a RPZ or Residents Parking Scheme. 3
Eighty percent of the kerbspace in the area under consideration is regularly occupied by extraneous vehicles for over three hours. This means that schemes will not be considered where vehicles cannot currently park. For example, on zig-zag markings for schools or pedestrian crossings or along sections of highway that already has a waiting restriction. In order to preclude any short term parking variations in parking patterns, levels of parking conflict must be ongoing for a sustained period before any decision to implement a scheme is taken. Less than fifty percent of the residences have a facility to park off the road. This includes garage space or drives; however, in exceptional circumstances this figure may be relaxed slightly such as in a conservation area. Set up costs, including investigation, design and implementation, are self financed from an allocated budget. Fifty percent of households or individual residents in the streets covered by the scheme agree to it being implemented. Viability of a scheme and the number of permits per residence will be determined by the available road space and whether a resident has a Blue Badge. Ideally, there should be sufficient on-street parking available to issue one permit per residence and one permit for each Blue Badge holder. However, schemes will be considered along narrow streets with terraced housing where one on-street parking place is available for 80% of residences Civil Parking Enforcement is in place. The Council supports the scheme and is able to demonstrate operation of a permit scheme is viable in the area and they are able to carry out any necessary enforcement. The properties that front the roads concerned are residential. Schemes may be considered where there is another type of property, for example a church or school when the scheme can make adequate provision for that property. An adequate, amount of acceptable off-street parking, to accommodate most of the vehicles to be displaced is provided or available or the scheme is part of an urban parking strategy. The scheme must not include an A, B, main distributor road or traffic sensitive street, unless exceptional circumstances exist and the scheme will not compromise the free flow of traffic The scheme should allow for short-term parking of extraneous vehicles. A scheme can be implemented that is safe and still maintains the right to pass and repass along the highway and gain access to the highway. A residents permit will only be issued in respect of a passenger user vehicle, a goods vehicle, an invalid carriage or a motorcycle. Other vehicles may usually be parked within the area on a short-term basis. Permits will not be required for vehicles actively and essentially engaged in the pursuance of statutory powers or duties by the following: 4
Fire Service Health Service Police Military Delivery or collection of postal packets A district, county or government department Statutory undertakers Formal wedding cars or hearses. Permits will not be required for vehicles actively engaged in loading/unloading where passengers are boarding/alighting. All permits must be displayed on the inside surface of the windscreen or in a visible location on a motorcycle so that the particulars recorded are clearly visible. Permits may be revoked where The applicants circumstances no longer confer eligibility for a permit The permit is fraudulently used A replacement permit has been issued. 5
APPENDIX A PERMITS, CHARGES, PROOF OF RESIDENCY All permits will be issued on a renewable annual basis and be effective for a period of 12 months. The method of issue is at the discretion of the Council with the approval of the Executive Member for Transport and Development, the Assistant Executive Director for Economic and Technical Services and the Head of Technical Services. Permits will show the name/title of the issuing Authority (Tameside MBC), the name of the relevant Resident Parking Zone (RPZ) in which the vehicle can park, the vehicle registration number and reference number. Specialist permits i.e. Universal Service and Business, will also display permit type. Generally 2 permits per household is guaranteed. The number of permits available to a household will be primarily dictated by the overall capacity of the road or street, with due regard given to the desirability of visitor parking in the area. Given this principle a cap could also be set on the total number of permits to be issued within a scheme and that this should be explicit within the regulations. This may result in any further development of multiple occupancy buildings falling outside of the provisions of the scheme. In these circumstances issue of permits should be prioritised to eligible households that were: a) within the scheme at instigation and b) on a first come first served basis with permits to business users issued when other requests are filled. Residents permits are only issued to permanent residents within the area covered by the controlled parking scheme (confirmed by the electoral register or other formal verification). Residents who may not be on the electoral register will be required to provide other proof of residency and a decision will be made at the discretion of the issuing authority. The total number of permits available within an off-street parking area will be limited to a maximum number set as part of the design of the scheme and reflecting available parking space on the street or streets. The amount of private off-street parking at an address will have a direct impact on eligibility for permits. Subsequent Permits Where sufficient road space is available a limited number of additional permits per household may be purchased on a first come first served basis. Visitor Permits Where site conditions allow, permits for casual visitors to park may be purchased in advance from the issuing Authority in accordance with that Authorities approved methodology. A maximum of one free visitor permit will be issued per dwelling when a registered vehicle at that dwelling has also been purchased. Should the dwelling be a car free household then applications from the dwelling to purchase a visitor permit only, will be allowed. Alternatively, such visitors will be able to park in shared, free, parking areas where space is available. Universal Service Permits A Service Permit may be issued to Trades People, Health Service employees, authorised carers, property owners, Community Groups and Local Authority workers. The Permit will be issued by the Borough Council and charged at the appropriate rate within which the business is based and will be valid for all zones within the Borough. A database 6
will be developed and maintained by the issuing authority enabling a record to be kept of the unique permit(s) issued to a particular service or individual. Business Permits (Business address within a RPZ) Where a Business is situated within a zone a limited number of permits may be issued by the Council specifically for use in that zone. A total of 2 Permits per registered business The cost of a Standard Permit will be set and reviewed by the Tameside Parking Board on an annual basis. The cost of other Permits will be comparable to the approved cost of a Standard Permit in accordance with the guidelines accompanying this Policy. Prior to any Permit being issued the applicant will need to pay the relevant charge in whatever manner the issuing Authority deems appropriate. Evidence of Residency/Vehicle Ownership Prior to a Permit being issued the applicant will need to prove their residency (not necessarily ownership) and their ownership of or responsibility for the relevant vehicle to the satisfaction of the issuing authority. Classes of Vehicle Permits will be issued only for cars and light vans with a weight limit of up to 3 tonnes. Permits will be issued only for those vehicles that can park wholly within a parked bay. Motorcycles Permits will not be necessary for motorcycles due to permit display impracticalities, motorcycles will however (where possible) be provided a designated parking area. Hire/Courtesy Cars Where such vehicles replace an existing permit holder s vehicle a Visitor Permit may be issued for a limited period only. Multi-occupancy properties without off-street parking i.e. flats, student lets etc. Where such premises exist within a zone. The number of Permits issued will be restricted so as to allow a fairer distribution of the available parking space. One permit per 5 or less occupants on a first come first served basis will be available up to a maximum of 3 permits. It should be noted that a number of such properties in any given permit parking area could cause severe parking problems. Whilst permits may be issued to multi-occupancy properties already in existence when a scheme is introduced there is no automatic right for permits to be issued where either new multi-occupancy properties are constructed or existing properties are converted within an area already subject to permit parking. Discretion in this matter rests with the permit issuing authority. Is this fair? Guest Houses/Hotels Permits will not be issued to guests of such establishments other than by way of a standard Visitors Permit. Replacement Permits If a Permit is lost, stolen or damaged or a permit holder moves to a new home a Replacement Permit may be required. For the first replacement within six months after a permit has been issued, this will be 50% of the cost of a new permit. For subsequent replacements this will be the full cost of a new permit. It will be entirely at the discretion of the Council as to whether a replacement permit is to be issued. A Permit holder will surrender their Permit, without a refund, if their personal circumstances change to the extent where a permit would no longer be issued i.e. move house, no longer own and drive the vehicle. 7
If a Permit holder allows fraudulent use of his/her permit it may be cancelled with no refund and no further permit issued to that person when residing Tameside. If a Permit is defaced it will be invalid and the vehicle may be liable to a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). If a Permit holder allows their vehicle to be kept illegally on the highway i.e. without Tax, Insurance etc. the permit may be cancelled and no further permit issued to that person when residing within the Tameside. Such occurrences will be reported to Greater Manchester Police. Blue Badge holders are allowed to park free of charge within Residents Parking Zones. As such Permits will not be necessary so long as the Blue Badge is correctly displayed. Failure to do so may make the vehicle liable to a PCN. Special concessions may be made for Blue Badge holders who are also in receipt of the mobility element of the Higher Rate Disability Living Allowance. In such circumstances Permits may be issued free of charge and parking bays provided where the resident has no off street parking at their residence and such provision is impracticable. However no more than 6% of the available parking space will be allocated to such provision. Funeral Undertakers Vehicles Vehicles actively involved in a funeral will be allowed to park without displaying a valid permit provided that the Borough Council s parking office is notified in advance of the time, date and anticipated duration of the funeral. Wedding Cars Official vehicles (no more than three) actively involved in a wedding will be allowed to park without displaying a valid permit provided that the Borough Council s parking office is notified in advance of the time, date and anticipated duration of the wedding. Permits will not need to be issued for such as Police, Fire Brigade and Ambulance vehicles neither will they be necessary for vehicles undertaking works associated with such as gas, water and electrical equipment. A more complete list of exemptions and dispensations can be found in the Policy for the Processing of Penalty Charge Notices 8
CHARGES / COST OF PERMITS In all residents parking schemes, the financial implications need to be carefully assessed and the authority must justify the charging rates for such schemes in order to make the introduction of such schemes self financing and be able to cover all legal, highway infrastructure (signs and lines), permits and maintenance costs, as well as covering all staff costs and enforcement costs. Charges will be reviewed at least annually Permit charges for all schemes will be the same across the Borough irrespective of number of properties, remoteness from current patrol routes or times of operation. The capital cost of implementing each scheme will be initially met from the Highway Capital Programme with subsequent revenue generated from the sale of Permits off-setting this expenditure. Residents with up to two cars registered per dwelling will be able to access the scheme. A registered business property will also be able to access up to two permits per business. Visitors will be accommodated via use of scratch cards which can be bought in advance from local council information centres, council offices etc. These are for use by residents and businesses. A visitor scratch card will not be specific time limited and is available for use all day on the day / date revealed on the card. However, in order to help maximise space available for residents, a maximum of one visitor permit per dwelling / business premise only, will be allowed. Please note that each scheme will also ensure that there is free (time limited) waiting available in each zone which will enable casual parking during restricted / enforceable hours of operation. (This will for example, enable short stay shopping or access to surgery / pharmacy within an area, without the need for display of permits). Should the dwelling be a car free household then applications from the dwelling to purchase a visitor permit only, will be allowed. The charge for a visitor permit in these circumstances will be 30 per annum (2012). There will be a charge for each permit issued. This will be determined annually and will cover the costs of administration, permits, advertising and the erection of signs and road markings as appropriate. (This charge is to be set at 30 per annum (2012) per permit). Universal Service Permit: Trades People: Equal to that of a Standard Permit Health Service Employees: Free of Charge Carers: Free of Charge Property Owners: Equal to that of a Standard Permit Highway Authority Workers: Equal to that of a Standard Permit Business Permit (without off-street parking): Equal to that of a Standard Permit Replacement Permits (Lost, Stolen or Damaged): Equal to 50% of the cost of a Standard Permit. Replacement Permits (Permit holders moving to a new address within a different Zone): Cost of a Standard Permit (No Refund) Replacement Permits (Permit holders changing their vehicle): Free of Charge 9
USER GROUPS Terms and Conditions Proof of Residency One of the following documents showing the applicants name and address at which a permit is applied for must accompany the Permit Application. (A photocopy is acceptable) Letter of Mortgage agreement Tenancy Agreement Council Tax Demand Most recent Utilities Bill Driving licence Proof of Vehicle Ownership or Responsibility therefore - one of the following documents showing the applicants name and address at which a permit is applied for must accompany the Permit Application. (A photocopy is acceptable) The original Vehicle Registration Document confirming the owners name, address and vehicle ownership. If a company car a letter of entitlement to the vehicle from the company concerned confirming the applicant as the sole keeper and user confirming the company s ownership of the vehicle. If a lease car the agreement confirming the fact. Current Insurance Certificate. Garage bill of sale or insurance cover note (if the applicant has purchased the vehicle within the last month. Change of address: If a permit holder moves to a new address within a different parking zone a new Standard Permit may need to be issued. If a permit holder moves to a new address within the same parking zone a replacement permit will not be required but the issuing authority will need to be informed of the change of address. Change of vehicle: If a permit holder changes their vehicle a replacement permit will need to be issued. The permit holder will need to provide confirmation of ownership of the vehicle. Hire/Courtesy Cars: Where such vehicles replace an existing Permit holders vehicle for a short period only a Visitors Permit may be issued and valid for a period not exceeding 18 days. Proof of Hire/Loan of Courtesy car will be required upon application. No more than 2 such permits will be issued within a 12 month period. Renewal of a Permit: The responsibility for renewing a permit rests with the individual permit holder. However, issuing authorities may endeavour to send reminders advising of the level of charges and methods of payment prior to the expiry of the previous permit. Display of Permit: Parking Permits must be displayed on or adjacent to the near side of the front windscreen of the vehicle so that all relevant details are clearly visible. Failure to correctly display the permit may result in the issue of a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). At any time the whole scheme or any part thereof may be suspended or revoked for whatever reason with the agreement of the Local Parking Committee other than when such revocation is of a temporary nature for reasons of road works, temporary events or The District/Borough Council make an order under relevant legislation. Advance warning will be given before any suspension starts except when the suspension is of an emergency nature, suspension of a bay will be signed on-street. It is the permit holders 10
responsibility to determine whether or not a bay is suspended. If a vehicle is left in a suspended parking bay it may result in the issue of a Penalty Charge Notice. Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council will advise of any road works activity that may affect the operation of a Residents Parking Zone. Parking bays will generally be 2.4m wide with an absolute minimum of 1.8m where road width is limited. Where appropriate and to maximise the available road space footway parking may be permitted, subject to the successful delivery of the relevant Traffic Regulation Order and retention of at least 1.5m clear footway width. Signs clearly indicating the zone and the restrictions on parking will be displayed in accordance with Regulations current at the time. Loading and/or unloading will normally be permitted, except where signs indicate otherwise, so long as vehicles do not cause obstruction and park for the duration of that activity only. The introduction of a Residents Parking Scheme does not prevent the prohibition of waiting where it is deemed necessary subject to statutory procedures. Permitted parking areas will not replace areas subject to existing waiting restrictions unless it is considered prudent to do so. Where sufficient on-street parking space is available shared use parking areas may be provided. These spaces can be used by any vehicle on a first come first served basis. Road Width Vehicles will generally not be permitted to park on both sides of the road opposite each other where such provision would prevent a minimum running lane width of 3m being maintained. Passing Places would need to be established to minimise conflict between opposing vehicles. The issue of a Parking Permit in no way absolves the permit holder from parking legally and with due care. Neither does TMBC nor the issuing authority accept any responsibility for the damage, theft or loss of or to any vehicle or its contents whilst parked within a zone. Universal Service Permits A Service Permit will be available for Trades People, Health Service, authorised carers, Community Groups and Local Authority workers. It will be issued by the Borough Council within which the business is based and will be valid for all zones within the Borough. Trades people: Vehicles will be permitted to wait within a Zone for the purposes of loading /unloading goods. Trades people, i.e. builders, plumbers etc working at a property within a zone will require to purchase a Service Permit One permit for each vehicle working within a zone would be required. No more than two such vehicles would be permitted at each property at any one time. Each application must be accompanied by an official letter from the business concerned. These Permits need not be Vehicle Registration Number specific but would include the name of the Business involved. Any abuse of such permits will result in them being withdrawn immediately. Health Service: Service Permits will, upon application, be issued to all British Medical Association (BMA) recognised doctors, midwives and visiting nurses. Proof of recognition and current employment will be necessary. These Permits need not be Vehicle Registration Number specific. Any abuse of such permits will result in them being withdrawn immediately. 11
Carers: Service Permits will be issued to authorised carers upon application, which must be supported by an official letter from the care organisation or, in the case of a private carer (relative etc.) confirmation from the residents General Practitioner (GP) that he/she is in need of regular, permanent care within their home. These Permits need not be Vehicle Registration Number specific. Any abuse of such Permits will result in them being withdrawn immediately. Property Owners (not living at address within the RPZ): a Service Permit may be issued by the Council to property owners (e.g. landlords) which will be valid for all zones within the Borough. Proof of ownership of the property will be necessary. These permits will be Vehicle Registration Number specific and therefore proof of ownership will be required. Any abuse of such Permits will result in them being withdrawn immediately. Community Groups: A Service Permit will be issued upon application, which must be supported by an official letter from the organisation, to each community building situated within the RPZ, i.e. community centres, church halls and scout huts etc. These Permits need not be Vehicle Registration Number specific but would include the name of the Community Group involved. Any abuse of such Permits will result in them being withdrawn immediately. Business Permits (Business address within RPZ): Where a Business is situated within a zone a limited number of Permits may be issued. These Permits need not be Vehicle Registration Number specific but would include the name of the Business involved. Any abuse of such Permits will result in them being withdrawn immediately. Highway Authority Workers: Non-liveried vehicles are liable for a PCN. Permits will be issued by the Borough Council upon application supported by a letter signed by a Head of Technical Services or similar level Officer. No more than two permits will be issued per Business Unit. These Permits need not be Vehicle Registration Number specific. Any abuse of such Permits will result in them being withdrawn immediately. 12
APPENDIX B REGULATIONS AND CONDITIONS Types of Permit Schemes Residents parking are a relatively complex process to design and manage and it is inevitable that different locations will require slightly different solutions. Design criteria will have to have some degree of flexibility of interpretation There may be considered to be broadly three types of location where residents parking schemes could be appropriate: Exclusive Permit Schemes - Demand for Parking Exceeds Supply This is the most traditional and common form of scheme, where a street or area is divided into prohibited and permitted parking areas. In order to park in a permitted area, a vehicle would be required to display a valid permit. The permit categories may vary; usually residents, visitors, health care workers serving residents and other users the authority may see fit. The system provides optimum benefit to residents but low levels of residents parking can lead to an inefficient use of on-street parking where overall parking is limited. In areas where the demand for on-street spaces from residents alone exceeds the supply, the management and allocation of permits can be problematic; this is particularly the case where the scheme results in the kerbside space being reduced through the control of parking e.g. clearing parking at junctions. Shared Use bays - On-Street Parking is not restricted to Residents This type of scheme is commonly referred to as a shared use scheme, where there is a dual use of on-street space, overcoming the under use problem noted above. It commonly enables the time-limited use of on-street space (which may or may not be charged for) to be operated alongside vehicles with residents permits that would be exempt from either time or charge restrictions. It does eliminate the need for the administration of permits for visitors, carers etc., with these users being able to use space generally available. Exclusive bay schemes - High Demand for on-street parking by both residents and nonresidents In some instances it may be considered that visitors and staff of local businesses and facilities may need some assured parking provision, which may leave residents unreasonably disadvantaged. In these cases designated spaces for residents, displaying permits, and visitors, paying for space through pay-and-display, may be more effective in managing this mix of use within the area. Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs); All kerb space is either designated parking or restricted parking and the zones (and possible sub-zones) are indicated by entry and exit signs. CPZs may be of use in areas of intense parking use and/or where one permit parking zone adjoins another. In order to be legally enforceable, all signing and lining must comply with the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002 and the Traffic Signs Manuals and all schemes must be implemented by means of appropriate Traffic Regulation Orders. 13
The purpose of residents parking schemes is to prevent long term parking by commuters and to prevent other long term parking by non residents. It also seeks to provide a more even opportunity to park for households within the residents parking area. An area of residents parking will be made up of a small number of adjacent streets (occasionally only one street) which will be given a unique reference this is known as a zone or Controlled Parking Zone - CPZ. This means that parking is only permitted in designated parking bays - the remainder of the kerbside space is subject to yellow line restrictions, i.e. Junction protection, etc. The zone will form a catchment area for defined area(s) of parking. The catchment area may include streets that do not contain any parking. The number of permits will not be limited to the amount of available parking. All parking spaces will be available for all permit holders within that specified zone (spaces will not be reserved for individual permit holders). Permit holders will not be guaranteed a space. When residents parking schemes are introduced careful assessment will be made regarding the available parking. Whilst every attempt will be made to maximise the available parking space, parking restrictions will remain (or be imposed) where it is considered that parking would cause a danger or obstruction to other road users, i.e. Junction protection. Residents parking zones will be marked either in the form of a controlled parking zone with entry and repeater signs or by a series of kerbside bays and signs. All of the signing and lining will meet the current national regulations. Where the aim of an on street residents parking scheme is to deter commuters, the hours of operations, for example, may be from Monday to Saturday 8.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. Where the issue is not commuters, the normal hours of operation may include evenings and sundays. Consideration of any schemes should take into account specific local facts, the views of the local Members and the operating hours of nearby car parks. 14
Two types of CPZs for Residents Only Parking are available. Traditional CPZs and Pass this Point Traditional CPZs - comments. Sign detail Within a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) specified hours of parking control apply to the public highway and the zone is marked with entry and exit signs at the boundary. All TROs within the zone operate within the specified hours. The entry and exit plates reduce the requirement for additional signs and reduce street clutter. CPZ controls do not apply to private roads. Within a CPZ permit holders will be able to park in designated bays during the hours of operation. Signs for permit parking may include permit identifiers as shown in diagram to the right images and may use numerals in addition to letters (e.g. A1, A2 etc.). Identifiers might be necessary where schemes for different permit holders are in operation in adjacent areas. Each scheme would have its own identifier (e.g. A for one scheme and B for another) shown on the respective signs. To provide flexibility for residents, permit schemes may overlap so that some roads are common to two or more schemes. For a stand-alone scheme, permit identifiers are not normally necessary. The permit allows you to park in any parking spaces which are reserved for permit holders. These spaces will be identified by a sign similar to the one on the right. For visitors, depending on the type of scheme, visitor permits may be issued. If not, visitors to the area without permits can only park where there are spaces provided for this purpose. These spaces will be identified by signs similar to the ones on the right (1 hour, No return within 1 hour). In all cases, a parking bay or area must be marked out. 15
Pass this point - Signs but no lines Where parking in an entire road is reserved solely for permit holders and where no other parking or loading activities are permitted, it might be possible to provide signs at the entrance to the road and dispense with signs and bay markings within the road itself. The images to the right show a typical entry sign. The past this point signing scheme is a new development for resident only parking schemes. The most likely candidates would be a culde-sac or a small network of roads with little or no through traffic. This type of signing might be appropriate in an environmentally sensitive area, or near a large sports stadium where parking restrictions are required only on certain days of the year. The entry signs may be supplemented by signs to diagram 660 or 660.3, (signs above) used as reminders in the individual streets. In this case a special direction should be sought from the DfT to allow the signs to be used without bay markings. This type of scheme also falls in traditional CPZs. Typical examples for the use of Pass this Point are cul de sacs and back streets on traditional grid terraced houses. 16
SCHEME DEVELOPMENT Whilst it is recognised that all schemes are potentially different and discretion may be required the following criteria should normally be met in order for a Residents Parking Scheme to be considered: Applications for a Residents Parking Scheme will only be considered if it is genuinely considered that the majority of residents in the area / vicinity want such a scheme. (the Council will then undertake a survey subject to the process identified below to ascertain the local views). Majority is defined as:- At least 50% of residents (1 per dwelling within a zone) must support the introduction of a Residents Parking Scheme. If less then 50% of residents respond to the questionnaire it is then assumed that the residents are unwilling to support the introduction of a RPZ or Residents Parking Scheme. Residents parking schemes will not be introduced where the majority of residents have offstreet parking or where there is sufficient on-street space to accommodate both residents and non-residents parking; There is a presumption against small and isolated schemes remote from other areas of parking enforcement. Such schemes have a disproportionate cost in terms of management, administration and enforcement, create expectations that the Council is unable to meet and have limited traffic or parking management value for the surrounding area For Permit parking to be introduced or any other scheme to be considered there should be an observable and persistent problem. There should be a presumption against the introduction of schemes to manage minor sporting events or other occasional community events and major events must be frequent and cause significant disturbance, as judged by all parties involved. Within a residents parking scheme, individual properties on roads which are part of the scheme can be excluded from eligibility for residents' parking permits if that exclusion was a specific part of the planning consent for that property, such as part of a section 106 agreement. This provision will apply to all car free developments and to those where car ownership is limited by covenant, within the deeds or as part of a tenancy agreement. The administration and enforcement of the scheme must be able to operate with no financial burden on the council. Factors that should be considered in the prioritisation of programmed schemes will include Meeting Local Transport Plan objectives The availability of and demand for kerb space Visitor parking pressures Possible effects on the surrounding area Community support or demand Planning Obligations (section 106 funding) Supporting Local Travel Plans The potential size and cost of the scheme 17
Controlled Parking Zones are; areas where all of the kerb space is subject to regulation entrance and exit of the zone is indicated by suitable signage at all points within the zone reminders of the restrictions are indicated by repeater signs and other signs and lines are not used Controlled Parking Zones should be introduced where; Several linking streets in one area meet the criteria for a Residents parking scheme (this may result in the creation of more than one adjacent CPZ to limit inter-zonal travel. The following Core Principles in developing and implementing a RPZ should be adopted across the whole Borough. Tameside Borough and District Council Local Objectives include: To improve the environment for local residents. To improve safety for all road users (vehicular and pedestrian) To reduce congestion thereby improving traffic flow. To improve quality of life. Requests for Residents Parking Zones will be forwarded to Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council Traffic and Road Safety Unit (TMBC) as Highway Authority. TMBC will then investigate, develop and implement RPZ s Requests for RPZ s will come from various sources and be forwarded to the appropriate TMBC Officers. These sources are likely to include Councillors / District Assemblies Members, Parish Councils, local residents groups and individual residents themselves. TMBC will advise the Executive Member for Transport and Development in conjunction with Chairs and/or Town Managers of each District Assembly of all such requests. TMBC will undertake initial investigation to judge the appropriateness of each request and recommend schemes for priority ranking. And will advise of a Schemes progress. Tameside Council will administer schemes and undertake enforcement only where Civil Enforcement powers are enacted. It is not envisaged that RPZ s will be considered where the Police are the sole enforcement agency in light of the resource implications (Trunk Roads). Investigation - Preliminary investigation will focus on the type of environment, the amount of parking taking place and by whom i.e. commuter, shopping, business, residents etc. If it transpires that the major problems are primarily that of too many residents vehicles for the available parking spaces within an area or that less than 75% of those spaces are occupied during the survey periods then a scheme is unlikely to receive a high enough priority for detailed investigation. It is anticipated that prior to preliminary investigation a substantial amount of support for a scheme will have been demonstrated. This could be by way of a formal request from the District assembly, a petition submitted by a residents group or a direct approach by the Local Borough Council Member or District/Borough ward members. (Individual residents should be encouraged to follow one of the above routes in the first instance) Survey Periods To ascertain with some level of confidence the parking situation at a specific location it is expected that a minimum of 4 parking surveys are undertaken at different times of 18
the day (during the likely period of operation of the particular scheme), and on different days of the week, including at a weekend. Consultation - Early consultation with individual householders and other interested parties is essential. Subsequent consultation should take place as the scheme progresses. For a scheme to progress to detail design and implementation it will be necessary for at least 60% of those consulted to respond with 85% of those in favour and prepared to pay the full annual subscription. Permits: A full comprehensive list of types of permits, number of permits issued and their terms and conditions for use can be reviewed in Appendix A Publicity As part of the consultation exercise a package of information will be distributed explaining the relevant processes together with what a Residents Parking Scheme can and cannot achieve. Parking Bays Individual parking bays will normally be provided within each zone although none will be specifically allocated to individual permit holders. Continual marked bays may be provided in accordance with Regulations current at the time. Vehicles must be parked wholly within an individual or continual marked bay with no part of the vehicle spanning another marked bay. Failure to comply with this requirement will make the Permit holder liable to a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). It is not envisaged that special needs groups will be formally invited to be involved or comment on any proposed scheme. Any representations received from such organisations will obviously receive due consideration. Each scheme will be designed with careful consideration of the needs of all residents and any specific representation will receive due consideration. However, it must be acknowledged that a balance will always have to be maintained between the wishes of residents to be able to park and traffic congestion and road safety needs. Where shared space for non-permit holders and permit holders is made available the Highway Authority with approval from the relevant Parking Committee may make such provision without charge or seek to introduce Pay and Display charges via the introduction of appropriate Traffic Orders. Upon completion of a scheme arrangements will be made to review its operation and where appropriate initiate improvements in accordance with approved procedures. It is expected that an initial review will be undertaken within the first year of operation and at periods following the initial review. Where a number of Residents Parking Schemes are considered viable, priority for detail design and implementation will be given to those schemes scoring most highly against a Priority Assessment Matrix and in accordance with the recommendation of the Local Parking Committee. 19
TIMES OF OPERATION Times of operation for individual Residents Parking Schemes will be designed to reflect local parking and road use; local consultation will help to inform this decision. As a principle, times of operation should as a minimum standard, reflect those of nearby off-street parking, or in the absence of such parking run from 8 am to 6 pm daily including Sundays and Bank Holidays to ensure that there is no displacement of vehicles from a charged regime into a residential area. The duration of parking controls will vary from scheme to scheme. Most will operate Monday to Friday (and in some cases Saturday). A limited number of schemes may need to operate at other times such as evenings or Sundays to address specific issues. However, where there are or could be a number of schemes in close proximity (e.g. town centre), consideration should be given to adopting a consistency in the times of operation. The rational for this proposal is:- To cover early morning commuter parking To cover daytime shopper parking (after 9.30am reduced charges on Metrolink) To cover weekend shoppers (Sunday traders) To cover late night shopping in the town centre To cover events in and around the Borough o Football Matches o Concerts o Christmas markets / continental markets, etc o Firework displays, etc. Times of operation may also need to reflect increased Sunday travel and parking pressures and late night use of local facilities. As a standard, three day periods could be used : Monday to Friday Monday to Saturday Monday to Sunday As a standard and to ensure consistency throughout the borough, two standard time periods could be used 8am to 6pm 9.30am to 4pm Other local condition time periods may be used and will be determined following consultation with local ward members and local residents 20
APPENDIX C LEGISLATION AND ENFORCEMENT Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) may be issued for the non-display of a valid Permit within a residents or permit parking zone. In accordance with the Civil Enforcement of Parking Contraventions (Guidelines of levels of charges) (England) Order 2007. All road space within the area of a Residents Parking Scheme will be defined either as permitted parking, Pass this Point legislation or by yellow line restrictions, this will be carried out in accordance with the current Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2002 and subsequent amendments. In instances that a Residents Parking Scheme is implemented, appropriate signage in accordance with the current Traffic Signs Regulation and General Directions 2002 or other regulations in effect at the time will be erected. Traffic Regulation Orders Traffic Regulation Orders are legal documents introduce by Tameside Council, (as Highway Authority for the majority of roads across the borough), enabling enforcement of various regulations by the Police or our own Civil Enforcement Officers (on-street parking and car parks). These include speed limits, one way streets, weight restrictions and on-street parking. Most traffic regulation orders come about as a result of input from local communities and/or the police, to address specific safety, traffic congestion or quality of life issues. The Order Making Process The introduction of a formal Traffic Regulation Order requires a statutory procedure to be followed. This includes: 1. Consultation - following the completion of the design, consultation must be undertaken. This will require obtaining the views of local councillors and parish councils (where appropriate) and Local interest groups such as residents, traders and community groups who are likely to be affected by the proposals may also be consulted where appropriate, particularly with regards to residents parking schemes. The proposal is then presented to the Executive Member for Technical Services for approval. 2. Advertisement of the proposed Traffic Regulation Order then takes place. This includes at least one notice in the local press. The council will usually display notices in any roads that are affected and, if it is deemed appropriate, may deliver notices to premises likely to be affected. For at least 21 days from the start of the notice the proposal can be viewed at a nominated council office during normal office hours. Views of local councillors, the Chief Constable and other emergency services, other institutions such as the Freight Transport Association, the Road Haulage Association and sometimes local public transport operators are also requested Objections to the proposals and comments of support must be made in writing to the address specified in the notice or submitted online during this period. Substantial objections and contentious issues are then reported to and considered by the authorities Speakers Panel. When considering the objections they must decide whether to (a) allow the scheme to proceed as advertised, (b) modify the scheme, or (c) abandon it. 3. Making the Order - the Traffic Regulation Order can then be formally sealed providing all standing objections have been considered. Modifications to the proposals resulting from objections could require further advertising. This procedure can take many months to complete and the advertising and legal fees can be substantial. 21