This report provided an update to the request from Faversham Town Council for double yellow lines, including a loading ban, to be installed around the Guildhall.

A Ward Member spoke in support of the proposal.  He explained that people often parked in a hap hazard way, sometimes all day, in the market place.  Wide delivery vehicles were forced to mount pavements. He considered it to be dangerous and an accident waiting to happen.

Members raised points which included:  accepted that double yellow lines around an historic building were not ideal, but there was an issue of cars parking on both sides of the Guildhall virtually all day; some cars double parked; the cars blocked the view of the Guildhall; double yellow lines were planned originally at this location, but a partial scheme was installed with no double yellow lines around the Guildhall; concerned if the ‘no loading’ aspect was included as market traders would not be able to unload their vans on market days; and disabled parking would need to be moved to another location.

Councillor David Simmons moved the following motion:  that the double yellow lines be installed, but the ‘no loading’ hatched lines and signage be held in abeyance.  This was seconded by Councillor Bryan Mulhern.

Members spoke further on the motion and raised points which included:  the setting of this listed building was important, double yellow lines were not appropriate in this setting; ‘no parking’ signs could be a better option; double yellow lines might be difficult to enforce; did not consider that disabled parking should be re-located; was there any evidence of accidents that made this location a ‘dangerous place to park’?; there were better solutions which would enhance the area; concerned about the cost of double yellow lines; planters should be considered as an option; loading restrictions would be damaging to traders; severely disabled people needed to park in the centre, a nearby car park might be too far away; yellow lines on top of cobbled streets would not be a good option; reservations about yellow lines in a conservation area; cost implications of the planter option; the costs outlined in the report could be used to fund the cost of the planters; and yellow lines did not detract from the Guildhall, but cars did.

The Cabinet Member for Safer Families and Communities (whose portfolio included parking), explained that parking restrictions in heritage and conservation areas were not marked out in bright yellow, but with two inch primrose yellow lines instead.  He explained that a sign at the entrance had been considered, but with all the parking restriction options, was too large and complicated.  The Cabinet Member added that the hatched markings for restricted unloading were not part of the original proposal, but additional to the current proposal.

The Proposer summed up and stated that primrose yellow or double yellow lines were universally understood, and lines could be added quite easily now, and this was not a safety issue.  He stated that there was a cost in painting double yellow lines, but this was less than other solutions.  He considered planters and benches were not compatible with market use, and suggested that single yellow lines be installed so that disabled vehicle users could still park there.

On being put to the vote, the motion was carried.

Recommended:

(1)          That double yellow lines be installed around the Guildhall, Faversham, without the inclusion of No Loading.