Agenda item

To receive an update on the Spalding Traffic Restriction Order and to discuss the survey results.

The Chairman asked Michelle Gant from The Engaging People Company to provide a presentation on the Spalding Traffic Restriction Order Survey results.

The Chairman informed the STF, that the previous Chairman had requested that a small working party be formed to look at the Town Centre Traffic Restriction Order. Michelle Gant had been commissioned to raise a piece of work, which took 6 months to complete and presented the findings to the Forum.

The Members had been provided with the presentation prior to the meeting.

The overview stated that the survey took place between 3-24 July 2023, the survey was run by STF and was delivered under a new brand – Love Spalding and covered the following points:

• The survey garnered 815 responses.
• To drive engagement, postcards and posters were distributed in key town centre locations.
• A letter promoting the survey was sent to 442 local businesses combined with press release, social media and emails to Community Groups and Organisations.
• A briefing note was distributed to all councillors containing frequently asked questions.

The key findings from the survey relayed that a pedestrian only (no vehicles) access in the Town Centre was extremely important, along with a desire for a safer and more pleasant shopping environment for pedestrians:

• More than half of the respondents confirmed that access should be for emergency vehicles and essential use only.

• The survey then broke down access preferred at weekdays and Saturdays between 10am – 4pm.

• The significant majority of responses advocated NO general vehicle access on weekdays and Saturdays between 10am and 4pm and no vehicle access at all on Sundays.

The survey also asked for narrative feedback from the participants so their answers could be fully explained, and the key points raised were:

• The general feedback was that residents wanted the restrictions to be consistent to avoid any confusion or misinterpretation.
• The majority of respondents said access for delivery vehicles and disabled/mobility access was the most popular option.
• Residents responded that less vehicle access would reduce the likelihood of accidents occurring. Safety of the public should be paramount.
• Clarity on restrictions was needed.

Responses came from all over the District and included local businesses and the overall findings indicated:

• Residents wished for an improved Town Centre experience, to see Town Centre Improvements, clarity, and consistency on access times with emergency access a priority.

The Chairman informed the Forum that once the findings from the survey had been gathered, he, along with the Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing, Conservation and Heritage, presented the results to LCC Highways.

The Leader of SHDC, had been informed along with the Portfolio Holder for Strategic Housing, Leisure Centre Delivery and Spalding Town Improvement, as this would fit in with the Town Centre Improvement Plan that was currently being conducted.

Everyone was on board to find out how the STF would move forward with these findings.

Members raised the following questions:

• Was there any indication on the next stages and the time scale for a barrier to be erected and the project to be completed?
  • The Chairman responded that time scales at present were not in place. Firstly, he wanted the Forum to be involved in the decisions and what a pedestrianised Town Centre would look like. Agreement was needed on the site for the barrier and the costs involved would impact the type of barrier/ bollards used. When the Forum had decided what the best way forward was the Chairman would present a report to the Cabinet.

• How would the ASB be tackled, and would improvements be carried out on the Town Centre toilets?
  • The Chairman responded that the ASB topic would be covered in the next agenda item.

• Could an additional barrier be erected near Yorkshire Trading Company to allow access to emergency vehicles?
  • The Chairman replied that emergency vehicles already had various entry routes.

• Could disabled parking be available on Red Lion Street?
  • The Portfolio Holder for Health and Wellbeing, Conservation and Heritage confirmed that disabled parking was considered vital and looked to improve areas for disabled parking in Red Lion Street and Sheep Market, making access to the Town easier and more convenient.

• It was suggested that Francis Street car park could be better advertised as it had ample spaces, disabled parking and close to the town centre.

• It was noted that when the TRO comes into effect, rules on cyclists coming through the town centre would be tightened. Improved signage and bike racks for cyclists was needed.

• Comments were made regarding the speed which motorised mobility scooters travel through the town.

AGREED:

To recommend that:

• Lincolnshire County Council rewrite the TRO,
• LCC tighten up on times delivery vehicles have access, before 10 and after 4pm,
• LCC provide clarity and consistency.
• Parking attendants enforce fines for parking within the restricted times.
• A patrolled barrier be considered to enable enforcement.
• For zero parking between 10am-4pm Monday – Sunday.

The Chairman concluded there would be a clear and consistent message for all residents.

Communication would be key, to engage with the local press and businesses to deliver the message of the new enforced TRO.

The Chairman thanked Michelle Gant for her presentation.