The Traffic Regulation Order Panel of Oldham Council met to discuss several key issues, including the diversion of a footpath in Oldham, the introduction of disabled persons parking spaces, and traffic calming measures in various locations. Decisions were made to defer consideration of footpath amendments, introduce disabled parking spaces, and implement traffic calming measures with some modifications.

Diversion of Definitive Footpath 26, Oldham

The panel reviewed a report on the proposed diversion of Definitive Footpath 26, Oldham. Objections to the Footpath Diversion Order were previously considered by a Planning Inspector, who did not confirm the order. However, the developer successfully challenged this decision through a judicial review. The Planning Inspectorate will reconsider the objections via written representations.

Modifications to the Made Order are required to accurately describe the footpath's length and termination points. Officers recommended submitting these amendments to the Inspectorate, but after hearing from an objector, the panel decided to defer the decision until the next meeting in June.

Disabled Persons Parking Order - Devon Street, Oldham

The panel considered representations regarding the introduction of 35 disabled persons parking places across the borough, focusing on objections to spaces at 118 Grange Avenue, 34 Retford Street, and 49 Devon Street. The objection for Retford Street was withdrawn after further information was provided. For Devon Street, objections cited the location as unsuitable. Officers noted that the proposed bay was the closest to the applicant’s property given the current highway layout.

The panel resolved to reject the objections and introduce the parking spaces as originally scheduled, excluding Grange Avenue but including Retford Street and Devon Street.

Prohibition of Waiting - Bullcote Green, Royton

The panel revisited objections to the introduction of No Waiting At Any Time restrictions at Bullcote Green, Royton. The Fire Service confirmed that the incident involving an emergency vehicle was not an emergency response but highlighted potential access issues. They supported a trial of weekend or seasonal restrictions.

Officers recommended relaxing the scheme to operational weekends between 1 May and 30 September. However, the panel resolved not to introduce the proposed restrictions.

Section 106 Resources for Foxdenton Lane and Lydia Becker Way

The panel discussed the introduction of a 20mph speed limit and traffic calming measures on Foxdenton Lane and Lydia Becker Way, funded through Section 106 planning obligations. Objections were raised regarding the positioning of measures and their impact on vehicle speeds and safety.

Officers responded that speed cushions are well-established on bus routes in Greater Manchester and positioned to avoid impacting property access. The panel resolved to introduce the measures but review their locations to ensure no vehicle accesses are directly impacted.

Safety Scheme for Stamford Road, Huddersfield Road, and Dunham Street, Lees

The panel considered objections to a 20mph speed limit and traffic calming measures on Stamford Road and localised changes to the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) on Dunham Street and Stamford Road. The proposals responded to speeding and traffic incidents, including recent cyclist deaths.

Objections concerned reduced resident parking and disabled access. Officers recommended proceeding with the measures, supported by ward councillors. The panel resolved to implement the measures as advertised.

For further details, refer to the Minutes 14032024 Highway Regulation Committee.