Parking near School – Response

A Consultation on Parking Controls to be placed in Alliston Way and McFauld Way near the Primary School in Whitchurch has been published by Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council.

For some background to this problems in the area see:
A HORRIFIC 20 MINUTES

This was my personal submission:
RESPONSE TO CONSULTATION
Parking Proposals Alliston Way / McFauld Way Whitchurch

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I wish to support the draft proposals together with a few reservations and comments. I am aware that this is also part of a wider scheme with Hampshire County Council that includes some infrastructure changes to pavements, shared use pedestrian/cycle access to the Primary School, and a passing point, all of which I support.

OVERALL DANGERS/DAMAGE
The area is one that suffers parking on verges, corners, pavements and regular driving along the footways. I am aware of collisions and injuries in the area caused by the traffic conditions which are worse around school drop off/pick up time. The parking also damages kerbs and grassed areas as well as creating obstacles for those using pushchairs, wheelchairs or mobility scooters. There are major conflicts between motor traffic and more vulnerable road users.

HEAD ON CONFLICTS/PAVEMENT DRIVING
As a regular cyclist and walker, Alliston Way is particularly dangerous as motorists drive at an excessive speed from one end to the other on the single carriageway, in order to avoid meeting vehicles travelling in the opposite direction. This is exacerbated by the bend which restricts visibility. Improving sight-lines for drivers emerging at the Alliston /McFauld Way ’T’ is essential as vehicles parked close to the corner cause left turning drivers to swing out into the right hand lane without being able to see what is approaching from the southern (Micheldever Road) direction. Head-on conflicts are common which also results in regular pavement driving beside the Play area.

REDUCTION OF ON-ROAD PARKING near ’T’ JUNCTION
I am aware the proposals, in order to improve visibility from the ’T’ junction, reach further than the Highway Code 10 metres from a junction rule, and that this may reduce on road parking by a small amount. I do wonder if there is a possibility of moving the planned for HCC scheme passing point slightly further northwards and maintain the required sightlines, along with reducing the no parking area by a few metres to help local residents who live opposite the Recreation Ground. Perhaps that could be looked at jointly with the HCC Engineers, but I do feel it should only be changed if implemented with a Residents Parking Scheme (see below).

RESIDENTS PERMITS
I am also aware that on-road parking is at a premium and the residents suffer from parking by some who do not live in the area. I believe some businesses have even suggested that employees park in Alliston Way so as to leave their own parking areas clear for visitors / customers. As result I believe a residents' parking permit scheme may help and I request that it is considered, not just for Alliston Way but for the whole area.

OTHER PARTS OF AREA
It is possible that proposals might move problems elsewhere where existing properties have restrictions places outside them and where there are already multiple vehicles. As a result I believe a full assessment of the needs of the whole area for all road users would be beneficial. There are specific areas in nearby roads that also suffer, particularly from parking on the footway, verges and junction corners. Notably these are around Daniel Road, Rampton Road, the rest of Alliston Way and the roads off, as well as into the Knowlings. In my opinion I believe a residents permit scheme for the whole area may be a potential solution and should be explored.
I also believe that many problems could be mitigated should the Testbourne Bus area be utilised as a Primary School Drop Off/Park and Stride location once buses are removed from Micheldever Road through use of the Mill Springs Development dedicated bus drop off point. Can this be given some urgency?

EMERGENCY VEHICLES
I believe the proposals will make it much easier and safer for Emergency vehicles. However I am also aware of the future HCC plans which incorporate a pull in bay and dragons teeth along the footway edge in Alliston Way which might make the footway/recreation ground unavailable for emergency vehicle use. Is it possible to allow the double yellows to have an exception for emergency use or for hospital transport drop off? Or is that allowed anyway? Could any exception apply to the proposed pull in should it be approved?

ENVIRONMENT
At a time when we need to be reducing reliance on driving to deal with the climate change emergency we need to make our environment much safer for those walking, cycling or scooting to school, both for health benefits including reducing high obesity levels and also on air quality grounds. Motor vehicles are a major contributor to harmful emissions and climate change but while roads and pavements remain unsafe few will change their means of travel if they perceive walking or cycling still makes them and their children more vulnerable.

SUMMARY
Every localised scheme is likely to be a compromise but in this case I think a good scheme has been produced that answers many of the safety issues, particularly over the head-on situations that occur, and on the visibility issues. However, much will still depend on both enforcement and on road users giving each other respect. Any parking scheme needs enforcement or it has potential for being a pointless exercise.
Hence I support this scheme but with a few reservations and the suggestions included above, although my belief is that the majority of these proposals would be unnecessary if the Highway Code were adhered to and enforced.

PLEASE NOTE
Whilst I am a Town Councillor in Whitchurch these views are wholly my own as an individual Whitchurch resident.

Regards,

John Buckley