Wokingham Borough Council is set to approve the introduction of a significant number of on-street parking and waiting restrictions.
Cllr Paul Fishwick, the executive member for active travel, transport and highways at the Liberal Democrat-controlled administration, will make the decision as part of an individual members’ decision meeting next week.
The extensive proposals were first advertised in a public notice on September 14, 2023, requesting comments in writing by October 6.
The proposals were said to be required to improve road user safety, manage available parking spaces and reduce traffic congestion to the benefit of all road users.
Cllr Fishwick is set to approve the original proposals with two minor changes on January 18, and will instruct the Assistant Director for Highways & Transport to inform those who responded to the consultation accordingly.
The notes to the meeting said: “Having considered these objections and comments, it is proposed that all of the proposals with the exception of proposed ‘no waiting at any time’ restrictions in Colemansmoor Road and London Road, Earley, are approved for implementation, and that relevant notices are now advertised in accordance with the Local Authority Traffic Order procedures.
The proposals include the introduction of new waiting restrictions along sections of Avalon Road, Basingstoke Road, Bolwell Close, Broad Hinton, Broadwater Road, Chiltern Crescent, Coleridge Close, Colemansmoor Road, Cotterell Gardens, Crockhamwell Road, Danehill, Ellis Road, Emmbrook Road, Erleigh Court Gardens, Gooch Close, Greenfinch Drive, Harrison Close, Hilmanton, Hillside Road, Hubbard Close, Hurst Park Road, Hurst Road, Kingfisher Court, Kingfisher Drive, Ladbroke Close, Lenham Close, London Road, Longwater Road, Lincoln Gardens, Mallard Close, Manor Road, Marfleet Close, Milton Road, Nightingale Road, Norton Road, Orchard Estate, Outfield Crescent, Poundfield Way, Purslane, Ravenswood Avenue, Rosedale Crescent, Sadlers Lane, Salamanca, Shepherds House Lane, Shepherds Way, Silverdale Road, Stephen Close, Sutcliffe Avenue, Suttons Park Avenue, Swanscourt, The Drive, The Green, The Grove, Victoria Road, Watmore Lane, Wellesley Drive, Wessex Gardens, Whitegates Lane, Wokingham Road and Woodward Close (access road to Oaktree SEND School).
In total, 199 responses were received, 77 were classified as objections to some of the schemes, 85 were expressing support, 26 were from respondents who supported parts of particular schemes but expressed concerns about others, and 11 were comments or enquiries on some of the schemes.
Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, leader of the Conservative group on Wokingham Borough Council, said: “We are pleased that council officers have listened to residents’ feedback and amended the proposals.
“Getting off-street parking right is a delicate balance, and there can be a negative impact on local communities if a scheme is either too generous or too severe.
“It is important that residents are consulted and that those views are properly considered in making the decision.”
Referring to a location in Hilmanton in her ward, she added: “In this case, it was clear that something needed to be done to tackle inconsiderate parking.
“I hope the changes will reduce the issues.”
Labour group leader Andy Croy was supportive of the plans.
He said: “Officers have a difficult job trying to balance road safety, managing traffic flow, the opinions of residents and the opinions of people who wish to park in an area.
“Generally, the team is doing a much better job than was being done several years ago when it felt virtually impossible to get any TROs put in.
“These aren’t always the decisions I would make, but where I or residents are unhappy with a decision, that decision can be revisited.
“For decisions in my ward, I have had a mixture of support and opposition to different proposals, but apart from one I am happy”.
