Decision

To
implement an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) to
introduce a ‘No stopping at any time except ambulances’
parking bay on New Street in Barnsley Town Centre. 

Reasons for the decision

Alhambra Shopping Centre is a dual level shopping centre in the
heart of Barnsley Town Centre, located in the market area and
bordered by Cheapside, New Street, West Way, Harborough Hill Road,
and Wesley Street. A new National Health Service (NHS) facility is
under construction in the Alhambra building, and the facility will
have access for ambulances located on New Street. The facility
requires a 24/7 unobstructed access parking bay for
ambulances/patient transport vehicles to pick up and set down
patients.
 
Barnsley Council proposes to introduce a ‘No Stopping at
any time except ambulances’ parking bay on New Street in
Barnsley. The restrictions will be introduced on a trial
basis.
 
An
Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) is
considered to be the most efficient method to properly
assess the changes in parking patterns which are difficult to
predict and their impact on road safety. An ETRO can be introduced
for a maximum duration of up to eighteen months and provide a
degree of flexibility for restrictions to be introduced on a trial
basis with the facility to make changes during the trial period to
satisfy the operational needs of users while balancing the need
maintain safe movement of traffic. 
 
Throughout the trial period the Head of Highways and Engineering
will monitor the effectiveness of the restrictions, considering any
objections or representation received. Once the optimum
restrictions have been in place for a minimum period of 6 months,
they can then be made permanent, subject to Cabinet
approval. 
 
The
flexibility offered by an ETRO allows the public to make
representations and offer comments or objections to the
restrictions while they are in operation so that, where
appropriate, the restrictions can be changed to meet local demands.
Any objections which are unable to be resolved in this way will
form part of the ETRO assessment to be reported to Cabinet for
consideration. The effectiveness of the ETRO will be reported to
Cabinet no less than 6 months before its expiry to allow, or
otherwise, its permanent introduction.

Alternative options considered

Option of a permanent Traffic Regulation Order was considered
but should a permanent Traffic Regulation Order be implemented, and
further changes were required after the restrictions have been
introduced, the process to change them is a lengthy one should that
be required. The use of an experimental Order is considered to be
the most effective way to achieve delivery of the restrictions with
the flexibility to make any changes necessary before the
restrictions are made permanent.