Issue - meetings

          The Board considered a report from the Executive Director, Environment and Regeneration, which provided information on the petition received containing 43 signatures requesting that Regent Road be made a one-way street as a measure to reduce traffic flows and increase public safety.  The lead petitioner had been informed that their request would be considered at this meeting and it was noted that they were not in attendance. 

Members were reminded that in respect of petitions, their role was to receive a report on any petitions received by the Council relating to their respective area and/or any action taken or proposed to be taken by the Executive (or Portfolio Holder, or an Officer acting under delegated powers). 

          It was noted that at the time the petition was received, a section of Appleton Village, between Regent Road and Deacon Road had been closed for an extended period in July and August, to allow for emergency utility works and this had impacted on traffic to migrate onto adjacent roads, including Regent Road.

          Following receipt of the petition, the report described the steps that were put in place to monitor activity on Regent Road and surrounding areas, and what the findings were as a result of those investigations. 

          It was also noted that a one-way street could only be imposed as part of a legal Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) which would require statutory consultation with various agencies, including emergency services.  Members were advised that Cheshire Police had stated that they would not support a one-way TRO for the following reasons:

·       vehicle speeds would increase as there would be no opposing flow of traffic;

·       roads in the immediate vicinity would see an increase in traffic; and

·       response times for emergency services would increase.

Members were advised that based on the findings of traffic monitoring investigations and advice from Cheshire Police, there was no recommended action. 

RESOLVED:  That the request set out in the petition not be supported for the reasons given in the report.