Agenda and minutes

RESOLVED that the minutes of the meetings held on 3 July and 16 September 2013 be approved.

Apologies for absence had been received from:

·           Councillor Alison Moore who had been substituted for by Councillor Alan Schneiderman; and

·           Councillor Jack Cohen who had been substituted for by Councillor Lord Palmer OBE.

None.

None.

Cabinet 24 September 2013;

Cabinet Resources Committee 24 September 2013; or

Any action taken by Cabinet Member(s) and /or Directors/Chief Officers under delegated powers (Executive Functions)

None.

(Submitted in accordance with Overview and Scrutiny Procedure Rule 22) (if any)

None.

The Committee considered a petition received by the Council which had been signed by 2,365 residents which called for the introduction of road safety measures in the N14 area of Barnet. 

The Lead Petitioner, Ms Cait O’Riordan, addressed the Committee highlighting concerns in relation to pedestrian safety in the Osidge area of Barnet along the route of Hampden Way, Chase Way, Arlington Road, Cecil Road and Burleigh Gardens N14.  Ms O’Riordan tabled a document that detailed accidents which had taken place in the area between 2000 and 2010. 

Members queried whether a 20 mph speed limit would have an impact on vehicle speeds.  The Lead Petitioner considered that a 20 mph zone would reduce vehicle speeds, adding that if a vehicle struck a pedestrian at 20 mph, there was an 80% chance of survival compared to a 20% chance of survival at 30 mph.  A Member commented that if a 20 mph zone was to be introduced, this would need to be supplemented by physical measures to assist in reducing traffic speeds. 

Members noted that an officer from the Highways Department had recently met with the Lead Petitioner in the area to review the feasibility of implementing the road safety measures proposed in the petition. 

The Committee were informed that the Headteacher at Osidge School was supportive of the Walksafe N14 campaign. 

Responding to a question, Ms O’Riordan informed the Committee that she had raised this issue with her local Safer Neighbourhoods Team (SNT) which had resulted in a police traffic engineer undertaking a site visit.  He had described the situation as ‘chaotic’ and commissioned a survey of the area.  Ms O’Riordan added that following the site visit, police had placed monitoring equipment in the area to ascertain average vehicle speeds. 

Councillor Lisa Rutter, a Brunswick Park Ward Member, addressed the Committee.  She advised Members that she supported walking to school to encourage health and well-being and recognised the issues identified in the petition.  It was noted that Councillor Rutter had discussed this issue with the SNT Ward Panel.  Following this meeting with the Ward Member and the petitioners, the police highways team had conducted a 2-week survey of traffic speeds in the area.  She reported that average traffic speeds in the area were 24 mph meaning that the council could introduce a 20 mph zone.  However, additional calming measures would be required as the police would not have the resources to carry out routine enforcement of a 20 mph zone. 

The Committee welcomed the Cabinet Member for Environment, Councillor Dean Cohen, Pam Wharfe, Director for Place and Neil Richardson, Highways Manager, Traffic and Development who were in attendance to respond to the issues raised.

The Cabinet Member for Environment informed the Committee that the proposals in the petition had been investigated by officers.  It was noted that there was a potential issue with one of the crossings, but that overall the proposals to introduce safety measures were supported by the council.  The Committee were advised that the Cabinet Member  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

The Committee considered a report which provided an update on the Review of the Event Day Controlled Parking Zone in the vicinity of Allianz Park (Barnet Copthall Stadium). 

The Committee welcomed the Cabinet Member for Environment, Councillor Dean Cohen, Pam Wharfe, Director for Place and Neil Richardson, Highways Manager, Traffic and Development who were in attendance to present the item. 

Officers reported that whilst the scheme was largely unchanged, there had been some amendments to signage following feedback from Ward Members.  Members were advised that Saracens would be improving publicity around match days, creating a list of frequently asked questions and undertaking proactive community engagement. 

Officers advised the Committee that any PCNs issued incorrectly could be claimed back by residents in the zone (e.g. permit holders who were not displaying their permits during controlled hours).  It was suggested that the registration number of vehicles in the CPZ zone should be registered on a database and made available to Civil Enforcement Officers to ensure that Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) were not incorrectly issued to permit holders.  

The Committee were addressed by Councillor Sury Khatri, a Mill Hill Ward Member.  He reported that he had submitted a number of questions and comments on the scheme which had not resulted in any amendments.  He noted that his suggestion regarding the introduction of electronic signage which could vary CPZ hours on an event by event basis had been ruled out on cost grounds. 

Councillor Khatri highlighted that only 6.8% of residents had responded to the consultation and suggested that this was not a representative sample of residents in the CPZ. 

RESOLVED that:

1.         The Committee note the update on the Review of the Event Day Controlled Parking Zone in the vicinity of Allianz Park (Barnet Copthall Stadium) as set out in the report and above.

2.         The Committee recommend that the Council and Saracens develop a Communications Plan to ensure that residents in the Event Day Controlled Parking Zone are aware of match days and restrictions.

3.         The Committee recommend that there be a review of Event Day Controlled Parking Zone signage, including an exploration of variable electronic signage options.

4.         Officers be recommended to create a database include details of all households and vehicles with a registered permit in the Event Day Controlled Parking Zone to prevent the incorrect issuing of Penalty Charge Notices to residents. 

The Committee received a Members’ Item in the name of Councillor Alan Schneiderman which requested the establishment of a Task and Finish Group to review the benefits of reintroducing cash meters in Barnet high streets and car parks.  Councillor Schneiderman identified that footfall in town centres was low and local businesses were suffering as a result of parking policies. 

A Member suggested that the Council should consider introducing a 30 minute free period to stimulate trade.

RESOLVED that a Task and Finish Group be established (to commence when resources become available in the Scrutiny Office) to review the costs and benefits of reintroducing cash meters in Barnet high streets and car parks, with the review to take evidence from residents, traders and local businesses, and other Councils where cash meters have been maintained and removed.

The Committee noted the update on the currently convened Task and finish Groups as set out in the report. 

RESOLVED that:

1.         The Committee agree the following to be the programme of future Task and Finish Groups up to the end of March 2014:

i)          Empty Properties

ii)         20 Mph Zones

iii)       Parking Policy – Review of Parking Meters

iv)       Care Homes

2.         The Committee agree the Road Safety Task and Finish Group be cancelled. 

The Committee considered a report which provided an update on the implementation of recommendations made by Task and Finish Groups.

RESOLVED that:

1.         The Committee note the updates as set out in the report.

2.         Officers be requested to present the update on the Contract Monitoring and Community Benefit Task and Finish Group to the 18 November 2013 meeting of the Committee. 

RESOLVED that:

1.        The Committee note the Forward Work Programme.

2.        Officers be requested to develop a proposal for bringing a report to the Committee on the North London Waste Authority for discussion with the Chairman. 

3.        Crime and Disorder Scrutiny be added to the agenda for the 6 January 2014 meeting.

None.