Agenda of Regulatory Subcommittee

Regulatory Subcommittee

3 December 2020

Part A Reports

Proposed Parking Restriction Changes - December 2020

Department: Transport

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1 This report seeks recommendation to Council for minor changes and clarifications to parking restrictions.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Subcommittee:

a) Recommends to Council to approve that the proposed changes to parking restrictions shown in the December 2020 update of the Dunedin City Council's traffic and parking restrictions database, https://tinyurl.com/ParkingDecember2020.

b) Notes that all parking controls previously approved by Council and not shown as a change on the December 2020 traffic and parking restrictions database, remain unchanged.

BACKGROUND

2 Traffic and parking controls contribute to the objectives of the Dunedin Integrated Transport Strategy 2013, particularly by supporting the achievement of a safe, efficient and accessible transport network.

3 Council maintains a GIS map database of traffic and parking restrictions (the database) which reflects all on-street parking restrictions that are implemented with markings and/or signs.

4 Parking controls are made under the Traffic and Parking Bylaw. The Regulatory Subcommittee (Subcommittee) has the delegation to consider changes to parking controls and to make recommendations to Council which can approve traffic restrictions and parking controls.

DISCUSSION

5 The Council receives a range of unsolicited requests to change parking restrictions from individuals and businesses. When considering these requests, staff assess a range of factors including safety concerns, commuter needs, commercial user needs, the road width and topography, traffic flow, neighbouring on-street parking spaces, visibility concerns and crash statistics. If a proposed change is supported, the applicant is required to consult with residents, businesses and property owners in the area to demonstrate support for the requested change.

6 Recommended changes and clarifications to parking restrictions are shown in the database at https://tinyurl.com/ParkingDecember2020 and Attachments A (Minor Changes) and D (Clarifications and corrections). The GIS layer includes a new bookmark feature which links the numbered item in the Attachment A and D tables to the location on the GIS layer.

7 The recommended minor parking restriction changes detailed in TPC-21 (Attachment A – Minor Changes) include:

a) Parking changes to improve safety, efficiency or access, where appropriate engagement has been carried out with affected parties.

b) Changes to improve the operation of the bus network.

8 Key changes include the block where the new University of Otago’s new Faculty of Dentistry is located on Great King Street between Frederick, Albany and Malcolm Streets. This area has been under a Temporary Traffic Management Plan for approximately two years, while the University of Otago was redeveloping buildings on Great King Street. We have been advised that the construction work will be completed by the end of 2020.

9 Once the construction is completed, the Temporary Traffic Management Plan will stop, and the previous approved restrictions can be reinstated. An opportunity has been identified to add five parking spaces on this section of road after removing the temporary Traffic Management Plan. Staff have coordinated with the affected parties (University of Otago and the Cancer Society) in the area to ensure the new layout does not adversely impact on their operations. The University of Otago and the Cancer Society are both supportive of the changes. The changes improve safety, increase the diversity of parking choices available and create space for future landscaping options. The proposed layout is shown in Attachment B (Great King Street layout).

10 The Otago Regional Council (ORC) as the bus service provider, has proposed changes and/or improvements to several bus stop locations. These are detailed in the table TPC-21 (Attachment A – Minor Changes). The ORC has consulted on the new locations for the bus stops and the details of the proposed changes are shown on the layouts provided in Attachment C (Bus stop layouts). It is proposed 40 unrestricted parking spaces be reallocated to support installation of no stopping lines, to provide for best entry and exit tapers for existing bus stops and to support the creation of new bus stops. The changes proposed correspond to parking changes in suburban areas and are part of the DCC and ORC common strategy for improvement to the bus network.

11 Overall, it is proposed there will be a net reduction of 28 parking spaces. Although 44 new spaces would be created, the proposed changes to the bus network mean that there will not be a net gain in parking spaces. However, improving the public transport network contributes to other Council objectives. The table below shows the proposed changes:

	Added	Removed (safety reasons)	Removed (Bus Stop Improvements)	Removed (other)	Total Net Change
P5	11	0		0	11
P10	0	0		0	0
P30	0	0		0	0
P60	0	0		0	0
P120	0	0		2	-2
P180	0	0		0	0
P240	0	0		0	0
P&D-P120	18	0		15	3
Mobility	3	0		1	2
AVO Authorised Vehicle Only	1	0		0	1
ROP Residents Only Parking	0	0		0	0
PUDO Pick up/Drop Off	0	0		1	-1
Motorcycle	0	0		0	0
Taxi	2	4		0	-2
EV	2	0		0	2
Unrestricted	7	5	40	4	-42
TOTAL	44	9	40	23	-28

11 Clarifications of parking restrictions and corrections to the database are detailed in TPC-22 (Attachment D). They do not change current parking restrictions, but include:

a) Changes to markings or signs are intended to clarify parking controls which are already in place. Changes may make existing markings or signs clearer or reinforce existing rules (for example installation of no-stopping lines to clarify that no vehicles may stop within one metre of a driveway or within six metres of a junction under the Land Transport (Road User) Rules 2004). These clarifications are considered necessary for access or safety reasons and are an exception to Council’s general approach not to mark anything that is currently enforceable under existing rules.

b) Corrections to the database that have been made to accurately reflect the parking restrictions which are on the ground.

OPTIONS

Option one – Recommended Option

12 That the Regulatory Subcommittee recommend to Council to approve the proposed changes to the traffic and parking controls database.

Advantages

· Improves safety, efficiency and access of the transport network

· Provides appropriate length of parking stay according to the surrounding land uses

· Improves public transport infrastructure by providing bus stops to support bus services and enable buses to safely enter and exit bus stops.

· Contributes to achieving an integrated, affordable responsive, effective and safe transport network.

· Improves safety and enables property access by prohibiting obstructive parking, making existing parking controls clearer, and providing for access to new driveways.

· Provides an improved and enforceable framework of parking restrictions.

Disadvantages

· Some people may be initially confused by the changes and new locations of parking.

· Public may perceive a loss of free parking spaces.

· Costs for implementing the proposed changes.

Option Two – Status Quo

13 Retain the existing parking restrictions without amendment.

Advantages

· Council resources can be allocated to other transport projects.

· Creates more unrestricted parking

· No initial confusion with road users, as no parking changes would need to be made.

Disadvantages

·  Does not improve safety, efficiency and access on the transport network.

NEXT STEPS

14 If the Regulatory Subcommittee recommends the changes to traffic and parking controls, a report of the proposed changes will be brought before Council for approval.

15 If Council approves the recommended changes to parking restrictions, these will be implemented through appropriate signs and road markings and restrictions will be enforced under the Traffic and Parking Bylaw.

Signatories

Author:

Simon Spiers - Team Leader - Regulation Management

Authoriser:

Jeanine Benson - Group Manager Transport

Simon Drew - General Manager Infrastructure Services

Attachments

	Title	Page
⇩a	Attachment A-TPC 21-Minor Changes	11
⇩b	Attachment B-Great King St. Layout-Labels	14
⇩c	Attachment C - Bus Stops	15
⇩d	Attachment D-TPC 22-Clarifications and Corrections	20

SUMMARY OF CONSIDERATIONS

Fit with purpose of Local Government

This report enables democratic local decision making and action by, and on behalf of communities; and promotes the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of communities in the present and for the future.

Fit with strategic framework

	Contributes	Detracts	Not applicable
Social Wellbeing Strategy	☒	☐	☐
Economic Development Strategy	☒	☐	☐
Environment Strategy	☐	☐	☒
Arts and Culture Strategy	☐	☐	☒
3 Waters Strategy	☐	☐	☒
Spatial Plan	☐	☐	☒
Integrated Transport Strategy	☒	☐	☐
Parks and Recreation Strategy	☐	☐	☒
Other strategic projects/policies/plans	☐	☐	☒

Establishing and changing traffic and parking restrictions support the achievement of a safe, efficient and accessible transport network, and supports the social and economic wellbeing of Dunedin communities.

Māori Impact Statement There are no known impacts for tangata whenua.

Sustainability Parking control changes improve efficiency and access to the transport network, which contribute to sustainability goals.

LTP/Annual Plan / Financial Strategy /Infrastructure Strategy There are no implications.

Financial considerations Costs for implementing the proposed changes are covered by existing budgets.

Significance The report is considered of low significance in terms of the Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy.

Engagement – external Engagement has been undertaken with relevant and affected parties.

Engagement – internal Transport, legal and parking services staff have been consulted.

Risks: Legal / Health and Safety etc.

This report seeks minor changes and clarifications to the GIS map database of traffic and parking controls of the Traffic and Parking Bylaw.

Conflict of Interest There are no known conflicts of interest.

Community Boards

There are no significant changes within the boundary of the Community Boards.

Regulatory Subcommittee

3 December 2020

Proposed one-way traffic restriction for Ward Street (From Halsey Street to Wickliffe Street)

Department: Transport

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1 The purpose of this report is to present options to the Subcommittee for rehabilitating Ward Street from Halsey Street to Wickliffe Street, and to recommend a proposed traffic restriction to change traffic to one-way only on Ward Street from Halsey Street to Wickliffe Street.

2 If approved, this change would be added to the schedule of one-way road restrictions in accordance the Traffic and Parking Bylaw.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Subcommittee:

a) Recommends to Council that it restricts traffic to one-way only on Ward Street from Halsey Street to Wickliffe Street.

b) Notes that if approved by Council, Ward Street from Halsey Street to Wickliffe Street will be added to the traffic restriction schedule for one-way streets as detailed in Attachment A.

BACKGROUND

3 Traffic and parking restrictions are made under the Traffic and Parking Bylaw. Traffic and parking controls contribute to the objectives of the Dunedin Integrated Transport Strategy, by supporting the achievement of a safe, efficient and accessible transport network.

4 The Traffic and Parking Bylaw requires Council to maintain schedules which reflect traffic restrictions that are approved and implemented with markings and/or signs. If the traffic restriction is approved by Council, the section of Ward Street from Halsey Street to Wickliffe Street would be added to the schedule for one-way roads.

DISCUSSION

5 The road reserve on Ward Street between Halsey Street and Wickliffe Street is in poor condition. The area has seen an increase in heavy traffic usage in recent years, mostly in relation to the log grading operation on Wickliffe Street. This is leading to the road reserve being damaged. Rehabilitating and upgrading this section of road reserve and improving drainage facilities on both sides of the carriageway is required as a minimum.

6 Some safety concerns have also been identified by staff namely:

a) There is no footpath on Ward Street, and pedestrians are walking on the road to access informal car parks.

b) An undesirable right turn into Ward Street means there is limited stacking space for trucks waiting to access the log grading operation.

7 An opportunity has been identified to create additional car parks and improve road safety on this section of Ward Street. Staff have identified two options:

a) Change this section of Ward Street to one-way traffic flow and create formalised, angled parking. This would create approximately 35 formalised car parks.

b) Maintain two-way traffic flow and parallel parking. Parallel parking allows approximately 29 cars to park on this section of road.

8 Option a) as detailed on Attachment C is the recommended option. By making this section of road one-way, approximately 35 angled car parks could be created to replace the existing informal parking. Pedestrians could safely access these parks through a newly created footpath. This option would also create greater stacking space for trucks waiting to access the log grading operation by eliminating an undesirable right turn into Ward St (from Wickliffe St). The preferred option would allow Council to consider changes to parking time restrictions in the future.

9 All affected businesses and property owners were consulted regarding the preferred option. There was broad support for the proposed changes, with only Ritchies Transport Dunedin preferring the existing layout to remain unchanged. Refer Attachment B for details of affected stakeholders.

10 If the recommended one-way restriction on Ward Street from Halsey Street to Wickliffe Street is adopted by Council, the additional parking spaces will be created as unrestricted parking. A future report will make recommendations for Council to consider time restrictions for the parking spaces. Affected parties will be consulted prior to recommendations being made.

OPTIONS

Option One – Recommended Option. Rehabilitate the road reserve and restrict traffic to one-way only on Ward Street from Halsey Street to Wickliffe Street.

Advantages

· Improves safety by removing the undesirable right turn into Ward Street from Wickliffe Street and increases visibility at the Ward St /Halsey St and Ward St /Wickliffe St intersections.

· Allows pedestrians to safely access parked cars.

· It creates a formal parking layout.

· Angled Parking allows for the greatest number of new formalised parks.

· Most affected parties supported this option.

Disadvantages

· Costs of installation.

Option Two – Rehabilitate the road reserve while maintaining two-way traffic on Ward Street from Halsey Street to Wickliffe Street

Advantages

· No change required to the traffic and parking bylaw layer and one-way roads’ schedule.

Disadvantages

· Does not reduce heavy traffic stacking.

· Does not allow for the creation of the maximum number of carparks

· Most of the feedback did not support this option.

NEXT STEPS

11 If the Regulatory Subcommittee approves the recommended traffic restriction on Ward Street (Halsey to Wickliffe Streets), a report seeking approval of the proposed change will be brought before Council.

12 If Council approves the one-way restriction of part of Ward Street, the changes will be implemented through appropriate signs and road markings at the time of proceeding with the pavement rehabilitation of the existing carriageway and other associated works.

Signatories

Author:

Simon Spiers - Team Leader - Regulation Management

Authoriser:

Jeanine Benson - Group Manager Transport

Simon Drew - General Manager Infrastructure Services

Attachments

	Title	Page
⇩a	Attachment A-Schedule of one-way roads	26
⇩b	Attachment B-Ward Street-One way-Consultation Map	28
⇩c	Attachment C-Ward Street-Final Design	29

SUMMARY OF CONSIDERATIONS

Fit with purpose of Local Government

Fit with strategic framework

	Contributes	Detracts	Not applicable
Social Wellbeing Strategy	☒	☐	☐
Economic Development Strategy	☒	☐	☐
Environment Strategy	☐	☐	☒
Arts and Culture Strategy	☐	☐	☒
3 Waters Strategy	☐	☐	☒
Spatial Plan	☐	☐	☒
Integrated Transport Strategy	☒	☐	☐
Parks and Recreation Strategy	☐	☐	☒
Other strategic projects/policies/plans	☐	☐	☒

Establishing and changing traffic and parking restrictions support the achievement of a safe, efficient and accessible transport network and supports the social and economic wellbeing of Dunedin communities.

Māori Impact Statement

There are no known impacts for tangata whenua.

Sustainability

Parking changes improve efficiency and access to the transport network, which contribute to sustainability goals.

LTP/Annual Plan / Financial Strategy /Infrastructure Strategy

There are no implications.

Financial considerations

Costs for implementing the proposed changes are covered by existing budgets.

Significance

The report is considered of low significance in terms of the Council’s Significance and Engagement Policy.

Engagement – external

A consultation process with affected stakeholders has been undertaken on the proposed one-way of part of Ward Street.

Engagement – internal

Transport and legal staff have been consulted.

Risks: Legal / Health and Safety etc.

There are no identified legal/health and safety risks.

Conflict of Interest

There are no known conflicts of interest.

Community Boards

Ward Street is not in a Community Board area.

Chairperson	Cr Andrew Whiley

Members	Cr Jim O’Malley	Cr Steve Walker