The Chairman provided a verbal update on the
implementation of the Spalding Town Centre Traffic Regulation Order
(TRO).
- The TRO had been in place for many
years but had not previously been enforced due to the absence of
appropriate signage and infrastructure.
- Following extensive public
consultation, the majority of respondents had expressed support for
pedestrianisation during the restricted hours of 10am – 4pm
daily.
- Signage had been installed and
enforcement had commenced. However, it was reported that an error
in the signage wording had resulted in the restriction being
applied 24 hours a day, rather than the intended 10am–4pm
window.
- The Chairman confirmed that this was
a mistake made by Lincolnshire County Council and that corrective
action was being taken.
- Any penalty notices that had been
issued before 10am and after 4pm had been rescinded.
- Enforcement officers had been
instructed not to issue further tickets outside the designated
hours.
- Members were assured that the
signage would be amended as a matter of urgency.
Member considered the update and made the
following comments.
- Members welcomed the update and
emphasised the importance of pedestrian safety, noting that the TRO
was introduced to protect shoppers and visitors during peak hours.
It was stressed that enforcement should be balanced with support
for local businesses, particularly those operating in the evening
economy.
- Members asked could physical
barriers or gates be installed to prevent vehicle access during
restricted hours.
- The Chairman explained that while
this had been considered, it was not currently feasible due to
staffing limitations and the requirement for manual operation.
Enforcement would instead rely on signage and enforcement officer
patrols.
- Concerns were raised about vehicles
parking on Broad Street adjacent to Elderkins and Coney’s,
where drivers appeared unaware of the restrictions and vehicles
were reversing out of the one-way street, creating safety risks.
- The Chairman confirmed that
enforcement officers were monitoring these areas and issuing
tickets where appropriate.
- Members asked whether police
enforcement was being considered for vehicles driving through the
town centre during restricted hours.
- The Chairman clarified that only the
police had the authority to enforce moving vehicle violations under
the TRO, and that Lincolnshire Police had been provided with a copy
of the order.
- A suggestion was made to utilise
CCTV footage to identify vehicles breaching the TRO and that the
cameras that faced Broad Street could potentially capture
registration numbers.
- The Chairman responded that while
this was a good idea in principle, the police had indicated they
lacked the resources to monitor footage in real time.
- Members raised concerns about
cyclists, e-scooters and mobility scooters travelling at speed
through the pedestrianised zone.
- It was suggested that signage could
be introduced to encourage cyclists to ride at walking pace.
- The Chairman proposed inviting a
police representative to a future meeting to discuss enforcement
and safety measures and asked Democratic Services to follow
up.
- Members agreed that further
engagement with Lincolnshire County Council and the police would be
beneficial to address this issue.
- Members highlighted the positive
impact of pedestrianisation, noting that the town centre felt safer
and more welcoming, although concerns remained about the potential
impact on businesses.
The Chairman announced that additional
disabled parking bays had been installed in Sheep Market, Red Lion
Street, and behind the South Holland Centre to support
accessibility.
AGREED:
That the Forum would continue to monitor the
implementation of the TRO,
with further updates to be provided at future
meetings.