Decision

Proposed extension (‘variation’) the current ‘School Keep Clear’ markings 9 metres further north along the western kerb and then add a new ‘Bus Stop Clearway’ box with “No stopping except for buses” sign to formalise the restriction.

The proposal to be advertised and any objections to be the subject of a report to Cabinet Spokesperson. If there are no objections, the Head of Highways & Engineering and the Head of Legal Services be authorised to make and implement the Order.

Reasons for the decision

Nicholas Lane is predominantly a rural road with a small number of private houses to the south of the road and in a side road Cul-de-Sac. Opposite the housing is the Highgate Primary Academy. The majority of the houses have access to off-street private parking.

Vehicles (predominantly cars) were observed parked on the western kerb from the end of the ‘School Keep Clear’ markings, along the western kerb opposite the bus stop, and at the junction with the cul-de-sac in an inconsiderate, obstructive, and illegal manner.

The parking resulted in the available road width for larger vehicles was not sufficient for them to pass freely or without reducing speed to a crawl and making exaggerated vehicle manoeuvres.

Cars were observed parked in a continuous line along the western kerb and through the bus stop completely blocking it off. A small number of vehicles were parked half-on/half-off the footway, obstructing footway users.

School pick-up and drop-off times were also observed, and the issues became significantly worse. Parents were observed to park in totally unacceptable locations, obstructing private access, half-on/half-off the footway, double-parking, and parking completely across the bus stop, blocking it.

Schoolchildren and parents were observed walking in and out of parked vehicles parked on the footways when live traffic was attempting to manoeuvre past. A highly risky situation.

The inconsiderate, obstructive, and illegal parking is significantly impacting the free flow of traffic, reducing visibility for drivers and pedestrians, forcing footway users to use the roadway in order to pass and blocking access to the bus stop.

The Traffic Unit also noted that, whilst the report originated from the SYMCA, the issues reported have the potential to impact all larger vehicles, including public service vehicles and the emergency services.

Alternative options considered

Physical engineering measures such as bollards and railings were considered but these were deemed to be too intrusive on the carriageway and footway for other road users.