Agenda item

RESOLVED: That Cabinet:

a)    Noted progress regarding the Bus Lane Enforcement Project, the results of the review of the usage of the St James’ Road bus lane and the outcome of the public consultation regarding the bus lane at St James’ Road.

b)    Agreed that the recommendations in paragraph 6.3 should be implemented as soon as possible to include:

i.) That the necessary steps would be followed to amend the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) governing the bus lane in St James’ Road so that it is operational during the morning peak only (07.30am – 09.30am) and that at the same time as changing the order, the revision would also permit private hire taxis and scooters to use the bus lane. In order to amend the TRO, it was necessary to follow a statutory process which involved publishing a proposed revised order and consulting on the contents, however given the responses to the consultation recently undertaken it would be not expected that this would prevent the TRO from being amended.

ii. ) The camera on St James’ Road would be removed from its current location, to be re-sited either at an alternative position on the Weedon Road / St James Road bus lane or at an alternative suitable location within the West Northamptonshire area.

iii.) Enforcement utilising the camera in its current location would cease following the expiration of the call-in period relating to this report.

a)    Supported the continued use of Bus Lane Enforcement in West Northamptonshire at suitable sites.

b)    Agreed that delegated authority be given to the Executive Director for Place Economy and Environment, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways, Transport and Waste,  considered and take all (legal and operational) steps necessary to install bus lane civil enforcement equipment at suitable sites identified in the future across West Northamptonshire.

c)    Agreed that delegated authority be given to the Executive Director for Place Economy and Environment, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment, Highways, Transport and Waste, to take all steps necessary to amend enforcement or remove bus lane civil enforcement equipment at those sites as deemed necessary.

REASONS RESOLVED:

·         For the council to have listened to and have responded appropriately to concerns raised by residents, taking into account the results of a technical review;

·         For the Council to have promoted bus lane priority in order to enable efficient public transport and sustainable, low carbon travel options;

·         For the Council to have acted in accordance with legislation and manage its resources.

ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS:

·         Re-siting the camera close to the junction with St James’ Mill Road and Byfield Road facing inbound.

·         Re-siting the camera closer to the Railway Station facing outbound – this is the original preferred location however may need Network Rail agreement to site the camera on their bridge.

·         Turning the camera in its current location to face inbound – however this was not an optimal view as it would be impacted by a nearby tree and would include the pedestrian crossing in the evidence and so is likely to lead to more appeals.

·         Retaining the camera in its current location.

·         Removing the camera to be re-sited either on the Weedon Road.

At the Chair’s invitation Councillor Phil Larratt presented the report, copies of which had been previously circulated. It was noted that bus lanes and public transport play an important role in the council’s carbon objectives. Discussions had taken place as to where to place the enforcement camera,

Councillors made the following comments.

• It was important for the public to be aware of what lanes they can and cannot use and this should be fair.
• The fines had created large financial problems for some members of the public.
• The camera had been responsible for £800,000 income for the council through fines, it was queried whether the council should rely on residents breaking the law to increase its finances.
• Could payment plans be looked at as a way to help residents pay off any debts.

Councillor Phil Larratt made the following points.

• The importance of clear signage would be considered.
• He could not comment on decisions made by the previous council.
• He wished to make it clear that the Council did not rely on members of the public breaking the law to increase its funds.
• He would investigate the possibility of a payment plan.

Recommendations were put to the Cabinet.