Issue - meetings

To consider the following matter referred to Cabinet by the Overview & Scrutiny Committee:

Traffic around Primary Schools

            RESOLVED

(i)         That West Sussex County Council be requested to implement Regulation 10 of The Civil Enforcement of Parking Contraventions (England) General Regulations.

(ii)        That enforcement officer presence be increased during peak times around schools, with a target of visiting each school once per each half term and the strength of the enforcement team be examined to ensure that it is adequately resourced.

(iii)       That the Waste, Street Scene and Fleet team keep road markings around schools clear and visible, especially schools in rural areas.

(iv)       That the Communications team draft a press release/article for use across all media to increase awareness/educate those who drop off and pick up students.

(v)        That the possibility of neighbourhood wardens being empowered to enforce traffic regulations be investigated.

Traffic around Primary Schools

Cabinet received and supported the recommendations of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee in respect of issues relating to traffic around primary schools.

            RESOLVED

            That the following responses to the recommendations from the Overview and       Scrutiny Committee be approved

(i)         Recommendation from Overview and Scrutiny Committee:

            That West Sussex County Council be requested to implement Regulation 10 of The Civil Enforcement of Parking Contraventions (England) General Regulations.

            Response from Cabinet: This work is already underway and WSCC are in the process of adopting Regulation 10. It has been agreed that we will work with WSCC and then implement Regulation 10 across the district. The start date for the use of Regulation 10 will be confirmed as soon as it is agreed.

(ii)        Recommendation from Overview and Scrutiny Committee:

            That enforcement officer presence be increased during peak times around schools, with a target of visiting each school once per each half term and the strength of the enforcement team be examined to ensure that it is adequately resourced.

            Response from Cabinet: Officers will examine our ability to increase the enforcement presence during peak times at schools. Steps have already been taken to increase the amount of officer time available for enforcement. The council has recruited three new parking attendants. These posts will ensure more enforcement capacity. 

(iii)       Recommendation from Overview and Scrutiny Committee:

            That the Waste, Street Scene and Fleet team keep road markings around schools clear and visible, especially schools in rural areas.

            Response from Cabinet: The council already ensures that road markings are swept. This includes around schools. Officers will revisit the schedule for the sweeping of road markings to ensure that they continue to be fit for purpose.

(iv)       Recommendation from Overview and Scrutiny Committee:

            That the Communications team draft a press release/article for use across all media to increase awareness/educate those who drop off and pick up students.

            Response from Cabinet: We will ask WSCC and schools to participate in this education and awareness campaign.  

(v)        Recommendation from Overview and Scrutiny Committee:

            That the possibility of neighbourhood wardens being empowered to enforce traffic regulations be investigated.

            Response from Cabinet: It should be noted that neighbourhood wardens already play an active role in resolving local traffic issues. Experience from existing warden schemes like the one in Pulborough suggests that wardens can achieve significant results through education and awareness raising. The possibility of empowering neighbourhood wardens to enforce traffic regulations will be investigated.