Minutes:
Pavement Parking Policy
KW highlighted that the Council is now changing the scheme to what was originally wanted so that it targets locations where there are serious issues. However, prior to this policy change the blanket roll out in Central Ward and Elliman Ward meant that all roads received treatment via the Pavement Parking Scheme whether they required it or not. Some roads have suffered as a result eg; Myrtle Crescent; where the scheme has caused problems.
He suggested that retrospectively all the orders made under the original rollout scheme should be reviewed and brought in line with the new policy of “where needed”. TA felt that the original approach meant that some roads where no intervention was needed were included. Myrtle Crescent suffers as due to the two up two down parking now in place mobility scooters have to use the road.
JW said the new policy is due to be signed off in the next few weeks. Residents now need to lobby their councillors after which requests would be added to a list which is then reviewed annually to decide which areas would be implemented. TA was concerned that this was dependent on the pro-activeness of the individual Councillor.
DM asked if there was a chance to see the draft policy and comment. JW said it had gone beyond the point of consultation and is almost signed off. All agreed that overall the PPS in Central and Elliman has been a success with only some locations where it hasn’t worked. Cllr Rasib agreed to bring LAF concerns to Cllr Matloob.
Myrtle Crescent is definitely a problem, where the two up two down parking has obstructed the footway on the side that people used. Members again highlighted the problem parking on the central reservation on the Uxbridge Road.
Resolved – the Local Access Forum formally recommends that the Council retrospectively reviews the PPS where it was implemented with blanket coverage in Central and Elliman wards. This would include reviewing the TRO in Myrtle Crescent with the same attitude that the new policy is inviting. JW agreed to attain a copy of the new “needs based” policy so that members could see the detail and make representations.
Flexi-pave Surfacing
JW showed the meeting samples of the flexi-pave surface dressing. Recycled tyre rubber mixed with aggregate of varying kinds and bound with a polymer to create a honeycomb like structure which is a fully porous and flexible surface. It is sanctioned by the BHS as being suitable for horses and is suitable for cycling and walking too.
JW is trying to build interest among the Highways & Transport engineers to trial this surface. Cost would depend on the type of ground conditions and the sub base being used and though quite high can be offset by longevity of the product and the other benefits. Wokingham Council are using this surface on their greenways project and on bridleways and cycle ways surrounding a large housing development.
The flexi-pave has to be installed by the specialist supplier but Council’s contractors can be taught the laying process. TA asked for details of the surfacing for a private project.
Benefits of the flexi-pave surfacing:-
· Extremely Flexible.
· Highly porous allowing natural drainage.
· Non-cracking even in freeze/thaw conditions.
· Slip resistant due to the rubber content.
· Impact absorbent and able to withstand vehicular use up to 80 tons.
· Self-cleaning –will not silt up.
· Sustainable, using three recycled tyres per m2.
· Sensitive to nature & water bodies –removes phosphates/nitrates.
JW agreed to circulate further information to members.