Agenda item

·  To receive an update on how the pedestrianisation of High Streets during the pandemic have worked/not worked.

·  To consider how we manage the influx of visitors to our rural communities for walks and wild swimming, particularly the impact of increased parking and safety.

Cllr Neil Butters gave a presentation regarding reopening of high streets and places of interest, covering the following issues:

·  The initial focus was on Bath city centre, as this had the largest footfall and therefore is the most challenging when introducing new access restrictions. 

·  The Council’s Highways Team had to work quickly and without the full consultation period afforded under normal circumstances, to enable social distancing measures to be put in place in time for the re-opening of non-essential businesses on 15 June 2020.

·  Following feedback from the town and parish councils of Radstock, Midsomer Norton and Peasedown St John, and having learned the lessons from phase 1 in Bath, and with footfall levels being lower, a decision was taken not to progress the social distancing measures in these areas.

·  Keynsham Town Council voted to trial a full closure of Keynsham High Street with effect from Monday 13 July, between 10 am and 6 pm.

·  Generally, the access restrictions have worked well with only a few teething problems.

·  The restrictions have achieved the objective of providing greater space for social distancing as a response to the pandemic. Some members of the public have suggested that having a car-free environment is generally a nicer experience.

·  There have been a few issues which are still being worked through, including Post Officer/Parcelforce collections and deliveries, utility service providers, removal of barriers and access onto Lower Borough Walls.

·  The Police are aware of some issues regarding driving in pedestrian areas or not adhering to traffic signs and these locations will be added to their patrol plans; if Police then identify any issues they or the Council will educate and enforce.

·  The access restrictions have affected where vehicles driven by or carrying disabled people can park. Although it has taken a small number of disabled parking bays out of use, Blue Badge holders can also park on single or double yellow lines for up to 3 hours.

·  You can make your views and opinions known by using the Council’s Liveable Neighbourhoods website (https://bathnesliveablestreets.commonplace.is/) where people are encouraged to record their views on what sort of improvements are needed across the area to help with walking and cycling.

There have also been issues regarding an influx of visitors to rural areas during the pandemic;

·  The pandemic situation, warm weather and related lockdown measures have all led to an increase in the number of visitors to these locations and there have been problems with vehicles parked in a manner that causes safety problems/obstruction.

·  In some locations the Council has put in place temporary parking restrictions and Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders (TTROs) to enable enforcement.

·  Each location where problems occur requires its own solution and the Council has worked with the Police to find the best way of dealing with them.

·  It is expected that the Government message advising against the use of public transport will soon be changing.

A copy of the presentations slides is attached as Appendix 2 to these minutes.

Sergeant Jon Raisey reported that the Police are working to prevent contravention of the road closure orders.  Delivery vehicles should not be reversing up the street and the Police are patrolling the central areas.  If people are able to take photographs of any vehicles who are flouting the regulations this would be helpful to help with enforcement.

Sgt Raisey confirmed that there has been heavy footfall in a number of rural locations in the area and this has presented challenges.  He stated that the temporary traffic regulations have helped, however, if one area is closed off people often simply congregate in a different location.

The Chair thanked the police service for the work they have carried out during the Covid-19 crisis.

The following issues were then discussed:

·  Cllr Karen Warrington asked whether there are plans for further Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) to prevent irresponsible parking e.g. in the Chew Valley area.  Chris Major, Assistant Director, Highways and Transport, explained that the Council has a forward programme of TROs to work through and that if areas are added to the programme they will be taken forward.  Cllr Neil Butters warned that sometimes parking restrictions can lead to problems in other nearby areas, for example, when restrictions were enforced on the A36 this led to people parking their vehicles in front of houses in the nearby village.

·  Cllr Rob Appleyard stated that, to ensure social distancing is maintained the Council has erected barriers to make this easier for residents.  Some people have been resistant to these measures; however, it is very important to maintain a safe environment for everyone, particularly those who have been shielding.  It is important that people feel confident to return to the high street.

·  Cllr Eleanor Jackson pointed out that the solution for one area is not necessarily appropriate for another area.  She thanked officers for listening to the concerns of those in the Radstock area.  She suggested that hedges should be cut back to allow more space on the pavements. Cllr Neil Butters asked people to inform him of this and he will raise the issue with officers.  Pavements could also be made “one-way” on each side of the road which would help social distancing when pavements are narrow.  Although, it was acknowledged that not everyone would obey the one-way rule.

·  Cllr Hal MacFie stated that the road closure in Keynsham was monitored mainly by shops on the High Street.  Dial-A-Ride vehicles are allowed to use the road.  It is important to encourage people back to the local shops.  Licensing of outside spaces was becoming easier which will help the local economy.