Purpose

To consider No Waiting/No Loading at Any Time’ restrictions and existing loading bay on Sharrock Street Southport

Decision

That:

(1)      the implementation of a new Traffic Regulation Order and changes to existing orders as detailed within this report be approved.

(2)      the necessary legal procedures, including those of public consultation and advertising the Council’s intention to implement the Order, be approved.

(3)      in the event that no objections are received during the consultation process referred to in (2) above, the Chief Legal and Democratic Officer be authorised to make the Order and the Highway Management Manager be authorised to implement the Order; and in the event that objections are received during the consultation process, the matter be referred to Licensing & Regulatory Committee for consideration in accordance with the Council’s Constitution.

Reason for Decision

1. 1        A request has been received from the Southport Town Centre Management Team and The Atkinson Centre for the enforcement of the existing No Waiting/No Loading at Any Time restrictions in Sharrock Street.
2. 2        Located off Eastbank Street in Southport Town Centre, Sharrock Street should provide unobstructed access for the adjacent businesses to load and unload in the existing loading bay, however it has become an eyesore and an environmental issue due to the presence of barrels and euro bins being placed over the existing waiting restrictions.  This is leading to vehicles parking in the ‘square’ area and presenting an obstruction to vehicles wanting to load/unload goods in the loading bay.  This results in the existing restriction layout being unenforceable and the area has become known locally as a free car park despite the issues of access, waste collections and general upkeep and cleanliness of the area being unmanageable.
3. 3        In addition, it is also necessary to install a section of additional ‘No Waiting/No Loading at Any Time’ restrictions to the southwest of the loading bay adjacent to the electricity substation to keep this area free from parked vehicles.

Alternative Options considered and Rejected

None