Issue - meetings

Neil Richardson, the Highways Manager, provided the Committee with a verbal update on the Saracens Event Day Controlled Parking Zone. 

Mr Richardson informed the Committee that the primary features of the Event Day Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) were:

• To ensure effectiveness for the area;
• To ensure that the use of the developed Barnet Copthall Stadium did not adversely impact on residents and traders and other community based activities; and
• That Saracens would meet all reasonable costs to introduce and maintain the measures, including enforcement of any restrictions introduced.

The Highways Manager advised the committee that kick-off times would be varied throughout the season and that there would be no kick-offs before 12.00 noon. 

The Committee were informed that there were 7,500 people in the CPZ that were eligible to apply for a permit or visitor’s vouchers.  Households could apply for up to 88 parking vouchers per annum, with additional vouchers being made available to support congregations and other community activities.

The Highways Manager noted the importance of making sure that the highways were safe for all road users.  The Committee were advised that only one test match had taken place so far at the Copthall Stadium on 27 January 2013.  Officers reported that “light” enforcement had been undertaken on that day where vehicles in contravention of parking restrictions were given a leaflet advising of the Event Day parking controls and advising drivers of the dates of the remaining matches for the current season.  The Highways Manager also advised the Committee that a similar approach would be taken at the next match on 16 February 2013, but that yellow line restrictions would be enforced.

Lisa Wright, the Traffic and Development Manager, informed the committee that Officers will be monitoring each match of the current season to assess the parking impact.

The Highways Manager informed the Committee that they would be carrying out another consultation with every property in the area at the end of the current season, asking for views on the scheme.  Comments made would be taken on board to help determine whether any changes to the scheme might be required moving forward. 

Referring to the light enforcement, where leaflets were given to cars that would otherwise have received tickets, a Member questioned how many of these leaflets had been issued.  He was advised by Officers that the figure was approximately 140 leaflets.  Responding to a question, Officers informed the Committee that the vehicles that were leafleted as part of the light enforcement were situated throughout the CPZ.  Officers advised the Committee that the attendance for the match was approximately 3,700.  The Committee noted that as this was a test game, the maximum attendance would be in the region of 4,000.  Attendance was expected to be higher at future matches.

A Member questioned if it was unusual for residents to not have to pay for permits.  Officers responded that it was, but that they were being provided at zero cost to residents by Saracens in recognition that there would be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 8