Agenda item

[Electoral Divisions: Eden Lakes]

To consider a REVISED report from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure.

This report is to update Members in relation to the Experimental 24 hr Rural Clearway and supporting No Stopping on Verge restriction Traffic Order, which was introduced in August 2021 along that section of highway in the Eden District known as ‘Howtown Road, Pooley Bridge’.

A report was considered from the Executive Director – Economy and Infrastructure regarding the Howtown Road 24hr Rural Clearway update.  The report updated members in relation to the Experimental 24 hr Rural Clearway and supported No Stopping on Verge Restriction Traffic Order (ETRO), which was introduced in August 2021 along that section of highway in the Eden District known as ‘Howtown Road, Pooley Bridge’.

The Traffic Management Team Leader – Eden presented the report.  The ETRO was explained and a synopsis was provided of the consultation responses.  It was noted that the main issues of concern was signage clutter caused by the restriction, the need for regular enforcement and exemptions relating to form traffic.  It was highlighted that signage in the Parish of Martindale had been raised as a particular issue so the Traffic Management Team Leader – Eden would be meeting with the Martindale Traffic Group to discuss the proposals. She would also be seeking advice from a legal officer regarding the words relating to farm traffic. exemption of the ETRO and requesting additional support in relation to enforcement.

A short discussion took place on whether to consider the TRO again at the Committee’s September or November meeting for consideration.  Members decided on November 2022 to ensure the effects of late August bank holiday could be included as part of the report.

In supporting the need for the restrictions on safety grounds, a member expressed that rogue parking needed to be addressed.  He commented on residents’ hopes for the enforcement of restrictions and he thought that visitors to the area who had responded shouldn’t have been included in the consultation. He talked about the concerns of Parish Councils of potential vehicle displacement into other areas following the implementation of restrictions.  He considered that if the landowner expanded the car park at the foot of Hawse it could ease parking problems.  The Traffic Management Team Leader – Eden undertook to raise this with the landowner.

Officers were encouraged to let residents know that the Committee had considered all of the responses to the Consultation.

The recommendation as set out in the report was agreed by assent of the Committee.

RESOLVED,   that Local Committee agrees to The County Council of Cumbria (C3042 Pooley Bridge) (Known locally as Howtown Road) (Main Carriageway Clearway and Prohibition of Stopping on Verge) Experimental Order 2021 (the ETRO) remaining in place over the Spring/Summer months thus enabling the restriction to be in place during the tourist season and providing a true reflection of the benefits/impacts in the area and then review the restriction for a final time at the November Eden Local Committee making the decision as to whether the restriction is made permanent after its 18 months or not.