SOUTH STREET SHARED SPACE PARKING SCHEME

Cheshire East Council has introduced a "Shared Space Parking Scheme" on South Street, close to the centre of Alderley Edge, in response to concerns expressed by a number of nearby residents. As a result of the scheme, businesses and visitors to South Street will continue to be able to park in the limited waiting on-street bays for up to two hours; however, residents of South Street who are in possession of a valid permit will be able to park without restriction.

A number of residents had contacted me to ask whether I could help, as none of them has access to any private off-road parking. Following a consultation of all residents and businesses on South Street, it was decided to introduce a "shared space" scheme, which I have funded through my 2022/23 Ward Member Budget. I am particularly pleased that as part of the scheme we have been able to create one or two additional parking spaces on South Street and George Street, to support the nearby businesses.

A key distinction between this scheme and the "Residents' Parking Scheme" introduced in Clifton Street, Lydiat Lane & Carlisle Street a few years ago (prior to my election in 2015) is that non-residents of South Street will continue to be able to use the on-street bays for up to two hours.

Acoustic Camera Pilot to be Extended

Residents will recall that in October 2022, acoustic cameras were installed on Pendleton Way, Alderley Edge, on the approach to the Whitehall Bridge Roundabout. This was part of a pilot initiative supported by the Police & Crime Commissioner and Cheshire East Highways.

Whilst there are no legal limits on vehicle noise, vehicles are manufactured not to exceed 84dB (for cars) and 86dB (for motorcycles) unless illegal modifications are made. I can now reveal that over the period from 1st October to 31st December 2022, there were 239 breaches at this location.

Following the success of the initial pilot, the scheme is now being extended by a further three months, during which time Cheshire East Council, working together with Cheshire Police and other members of the Road Safety Partnership, will give consideration to introducing a Public Space Protection Order.

A Public Space Protection Order enables breaches of these noise limits to be legally enforced across a clearly defined geographic area, with fines of up to £100 for a first offence and up to £1,000 for a second or subsequent offence capable of being issued.

In addition, a 20mph zone with associated traffic calming measures has recently been introduced in Alderley Edge village centre. Associated with this project, large scale road resurfacing has been carried out on London Road and Ryleys Lane, taking advantage of the road closures and permits that were in place.