16257 TSG Meeting #2 Minutes - Fletcher/media/Files/Parking and transport/Parking... · FLETCHER...

G16257‐02

FLETCHER – LOCAL AREA TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT STUDY

MINUTES OF TRAFFIC STUDY GROUP MEETING #2 – THURSDAY, 28TH NOVEMBER, 2013

MOONEE VALLEY CITY COUNCIL FLETCHER ‐ LOCAL AREA TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT STUDY

1. ATTENDEES

Gilbert Richardson – Manager Technical Services Moonee Valley Amer Mujkanovic – Traffic Engineer Moonee Valley Dee Khodr – Traffic Engineer Moonee Valley Will de Waard – Director Traffix Group Brent Hodges – Traffic Engineer Traffix Group Cr Jan Chantry ‐ Mayor Moonee Valley

Woodland Street Wright Street Napier Crescent Buckley Street Glass Street Penleigh and Essendon Grammar Napier Street

Working Group MemberWorking Group MemberWorking Group MemberWorking Group MemberWorking Group MemberWorking Group MemberWorking Group MemberWorking Group Member Fletcher Street

Moonee Valley Moonee Valley Fletcher Street Raleigh Street Sturt Street Warner Street Fletcher Street Mt Alexander Road Pascoe Vale Road Vanberg Road Nicholson Street

Apologies: Cr Paul Giuliano Cr Narelle Sharpe Working Group Member Working Group Member Working Group Member Working Group Member Working Group Member Working Group Member Working Group Member Working Group MemberWorking Group Member Working Group Member Mt Alexander Road

2. INTRODUCTION

The meeting was opened by Gilbert Richardson at 7:00pm. Gilbert handed over to Will de Waard of Traffix Group to commence the presentation. Will indicated that while a brief review and explanation of the background information will be provided as part of this presentation, this Working Group meeting will primarily focus on discussing the Proposed Traffic and Parking Management Plans.

G16257‐02


3. INVESTIGATIONS

Will indicated that Traffix Group have undertaken investigations of traffic issues including a review oftraffic survey and crash data, site inspections at various times throughout the week, discussions withCouncil officers and a detailed review of community issues as outlined in the following slide.

4. RANKING OF ISSUES

Will de Waard explained that streets within the study area have been ranked based on a number of ‘basic’ criteria as shown in the following slide. Furthermore, Will emphasised that ‘safety’ issues are the highest priority.

G16257‐02


5. TRAFFIC SPEEDS AND TRAFFIC VOLUMES

Will de Waard explained that using the ‘basic’ criteria with the results of the traffic counts identifies thefollowing streets with traffic speed and traffic volume issues. Whilst these rankings provide a generalbasis for the development of the Proposed Traffic Management Plan, Traffix Group have also consideredother factors such as existing treatments and existing road geometry when developing proposals.

G16257‐02


6. TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PLAN OBJECTIVES AND OPTIONS

Finally, Will de Waard explained the objectives of the Proposed Traffic Management Plan as outlined inthe slide below.

G16257‐02

MINUTES OF PUBLIC MEETING


7. PROPOSED TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT PLAN

Will de Waard then handed the presentation over to Brent Hodges who presented the components of the proposed Traffic Management Plan. The plan addresses the significant issues identified in the recent investigations of traffic issues. The following table presents the general discussion from the Working Group in regard to each proposal.

Location Proposals Traffic Study Group Comments

LATM Proposals

Napier St / Napier Cr / Glass Street / Brewster St

50km/h speed signage

Napier Street (Speed Cushions)

Napier Crescent (Flat Top RoadHumps)

Glass Street (Flat Top RoadHumps)

Brewster Street (Flat Top RoadHump)

A member of the Working Group asked how the locations for the road humps are determined.

Brent Hodges indicated that road humps are generally spaces at 150m spacing to achieve a speed reduction. The exact location of the hump is dependent on a number of factors including street lighting, existing crossovers and services. Brent indicated that the plan outlines the property number adjacent to each proposal so that community members are aware of the exact locations.

A Working Group member asked if the proposed road humps generate any noise.

Will de Waard indicated that road humps do generate noise, however, the issues are generally related to commercial vehicles with unrestrained loads, etc. Road humps are generally selected as they generally do not require the removal of on‐street parking spaces, which is a key weakness of horizontal deflection devices (such as slow points).

Fletcher Street Relocate school crossing toschool frontage

Modify 90 degree parking spacesto parallel

Modify Fletcher Streetroundabout approaches todeviate cars away from the tramtracks

A member of the Working Group asked if traffic data was available for the section between Napier Street and Nicholson Street. Brent Hodges indicated that the count has recently been undertaken, however, the results are being processed. A member of the Working Group asked if the speed information could be isolated to the school 40km/h times to assess the compliance during these periods.

The representative from PEGS requested that flashing 40km/h speed signs are installed on Fletcher Street. Will de Waard indicated that the flashing signage is expensive when compared to a static sign, however, the speeds could be reviewed with the traffic data is available.

The School representative indicated that relocation of the crossing was great from the school perspective. However, he noted that the school had previously approached VicRoads and they indicated that the crossing would be too close to Mt Alexander Road.

There was concerns from some Working Group members that the proposal to modify the 90 degree parking to parallel would result in a loss of parking spaces. Brent Hodges indicated that the modification was proposed as a safety initiative to avoid vehicles turning and reversing across the tram tracks. A Working Group member

G16257‐02




questioned if the spaces could be realigned to an angle (i.e. 45 degrees). Will de Waard indicated that this arrangement would worsen the existing movements across the tram tracks as vehicles attempt to drive a sweeping ‘arc’ to enter the angle space on the other side of the road.

A member of the Working Group questioned if the roundabout at Fetcher Street / Nicholson Street is required. Will de Waard indicated that roundabouts have a number of advantages from a safety perspective and also provided for superior circulation in the vicinity of schools.

A member of the Working Group raised concerns regarding the proposals to avoid vehicles following trams through the roundabout. Overhead signage or signage between the tram tracks was suggested as possible solutions. Will de Waard indicated that there were issues with any signage between the tram tracks due to the clearance required between passing trams.

Woodland Street Napier Street / Woodland Street

o Kerb extension on south‐westcorner

o Paint turn lines

o Install right turn phase fromNapier St (nth) intoWoodland St (west)

Hesleden Street / WoodlandStreet – trim overgrown trees /shrubs

Amend 40km/h speed zoning tooperate during school times only

No specific comments highlighted by the Working Group.

Napier Crescent Provide kerb extensions tohighlight the presence of thezebra crossing.

Improve ‘Walking Leg’ signage atthe existing Zebra Crossing.

Consider upgrade to zebracrossing with ‘Flashing Lights’

A member of the Working Group indicated that the crossing is not in the ideal location to capture pedestrian exiting from the underpass from the station.

Brent Hodges indicated that the placement of the zebra crossing is limited by a number of factors including driveways, power poles and grade issues. Site inspections indicate that there are limited opportunities to relocate the zebra crossing.

G16257‐02




Albion Street Install RRPM’s on the bend atLawson Street to warn drivers ifthey cross the centreline.

A member of the Working Group questioned if ‘silent police’ which consisted of a bollard in the centre of the road could be installed to improve driver compliance in this locations.

Will de Waard indicated that these devices are no longer utilised and there are a number of road safety issues associated with the devices.

Brewster Street Provide ‘arrow’ signal lanternfacing Brewster Street from theexisting Pedestrian OperatedSignals.


Other Council Proposals / Items

Buckley Street Level Crossing Grade Separation A member of the Working Group wanted information on whether bus times had improved through theintersection since the signals were installed at Rose Street.

Mt Alexander Road / Leake Street

Consult with VicRoads with aview to improving pedestriansafety

A member of the Working Group highlighted the complexity of this intersection for drivers. The Working Group member highlighted that drivers are too busy trying to find a gap in the traffic rather than looking for pedestrians on the zebra crossing.

A member of the Working Group asked if the zebra crossings could be set back from the intersection. Will de Waard indicated that there is a delicate balance in the positioning of the zebra crossings in order to ensure that they are location on pedestrian desire line, whilst still being positioned in appropriate location for drivers.

Mt Alexander Road / Keilor Road / Lincoln Road / Bulla Road

Prepare concept plan andfeasibility review for trafficsignals.

Consult with VicRoads and YarraTrams


Pascoe Vale Road Fletcher St Intersection

o Consult with VicRoads andYarra Trams to improve tramphase

o Consider fully controlled rightturn on west approach

A Working Group member indicated that they have previously written to Yarra Trams outlining 25 items for review (including the intersection of Pascoe Vale Road / Fletcher Street), however they never received a response.

G16257‐02




Moreland Rd / Brewster St Intersection

o Continue to work with VicRoads to improve the signal phasing to assist vehicles turning right out of Brewster Street.

Napier Street / Glass Street

Improvements to the zebra crossing on the northern side of the road.

Potential new zebra crossing on the southern side of the road.

A member of the Working Group highlighted street lighting at the existing zebra crossing as a major issue.

Mt Alexander Road / Buckley Street

Consult with VicRoads to improve pedestrian crossing times


Other Traffic Related Comments

Brewster Street Potential additional crossing of the railway line.

A Working Group member asked if there had ever been consideration in providing an additional crossing point at Brewster Street.

Will de Waard indicated that providing additional crossing opportunities would be likely to draw additional traffic volumes through the local street network. The LATM process looks at managing the volume of traffic utilising local street.

Glen Street Vehicles avoiding Mt Alexander Road using Glen Street and Schofield Street

A Working Group member indicated that due to congestion on Mt Alexander Road, vehicles are utilising Glen Street and Schofield Street as a ‘rat run’.

Brent Hodges indicated that a traffic count was available for Schofield Street but not Glen Street.

Mt Alexander Road / Shamrock Street / Grice Street

Concerns regarding vehicle movements through the intersection

Gilbert Richardson indicated that in the long term the grade separation of the railway line will likely include the signalisation of this intersection. However in the short term potential options will be reviewed to control vehicle movement (i.e. line marking / traffic islands).

G16257‐02



Based on the discussions of the Working Group, the following items were identified that Traffix Group and Council officers would review provide feedback to the Working Group:

1. Fletcher Street:

a. Review traffic speeds during school times to determine if flashing 40km/h speed signage is warranted.

b. Review opportunities to off‐set the loss of parking spaces associated with the modification of the 90 degree parking spaces.

c. Consider overhead signage to improve compliance at the Nicholson Street roundabout (i.e. vehicles following trams).

2. Napier Crescent – Review the existing zebra crossing location in regard to pedestrian desire lines.

3. Napier Street / Glass Street – Review the street lighting at the existing zebra crossing.

4. Glen Street – Conduct traffic count to review ‘rat running’.

5. Shamrock Street / Mount Alexander Road / Grice Street – Review potential short term treatments to manage vehicle movements at the intersection

6. Pascoe Vale Road / Fletcher Street / Albion Street – Investigate the possibility of installing a designated left turn lane from Albion Street into Pascoe Vale Road.

It was indicated that the results of the investigations and the revised version of the Proposed Traffic Management Plan would be circulated to the Working Group via email, prior to the consultation of the wider community.

G16257‐02


8. RANKING OF PARKING ISSUES

Brent Hodges explained the basis of the parking management review which centres on Council’s Parking Management Strategy, as shown in the slides below.

G16257‐02


9. PARKING OCCUPANCY SURVEYS

Brent Hodges indicated that extensive parking occupancy surveys had been undertaken on a typical Friday between 7am and 12midnight.

The peak parking occupancy in the study area occurred at 11am‐12noon when 38% of (2,150) of the 5,750 parking spaces were occupied.

The following slide shows the occupancy in street with more than 60% at the peak time (11am‐12noon) along with the peak occupancy in each individual street.

10. COMMUTER PARKING DEMANDS

Brent Hodges presented the following slide that reviewed the approximate on‐street parking demands associated with commuters from Glenbervie Station and Strathmore Station, which was assessed as approximately 446 spaces (i.e. 251 plus 195, respectfully).

G16257‐02


11. PROPOSED PARKING MANAGEMENT PLAN

Brent Hodges presented the components of the proposed Parking Management Plan. The plan addresses the significant issues identified in the recent parking surveys undertaken in the study area. The following table presents the general discussion from the Working Group in regard to each proposal.


LATM Proposals

Napier St / Raligh St / Brewster St / Nicholson St / Ardoch St / Kilmartin Street

Replace underutilised Permit Zones with 1P and 2P parking

A member of the Working Group asked if residents with Permit had to comply with the 1P and 2P parking restrictions.

Will de Waard indicated that under Council’s Permit Parking System residents with a Permit can park beyond the time limit of 1P and 2P parking.

A Working Group member questioned if the 1P and 2P restrictions could operate during the day and Permit Zone restrictions could be maintained in the evening adjacent to residential properties.

Will de Waard indicated that the approach to provide resident Permit Zone during the evening has been utilised in other areas throughout Moonee Valley and it is a suitable option in this instance. Will indicated that any evening Permit Zone should only be provided along residential frontages and not commercial frontages.

The representative of the school indicated that the current school zone short term pick up restrictions only applied along the schools frontage. He indicated that this arrangement operated well and didn’t specifically need to be extended further down Nicholson Street.

Napier Crescent / Glass Street (east end)

Napier Crescent – Replace some unrestricted parking with 2P restrictions

Glass Street – Replace Permit Zone parking with 2P (south side) and 4P (north side)

No significant comments from the Working Group.

Glass Street (west end) / Warner Street

Glass Street – Replace sections of unrestricted with 2P

Warner Street – Replace unrestricted with 2P on the


G16257‐02



east side between Glass Street and Wentworth Avenue

Buckley Street / Nicholson Street

Nicholson Street ‐ Replace underutilised Permit Zones with 2P parking (eastern side)

Buckley Street – Replace sections of unrestricted with 2P parking

A member of the Working Group highlighted that 2 houses are currently unoccupied on the eastern side of the road which may explain the low occupancy in that section. The Working Group member was concerned that given Nicholson Street forms the boundary of parking permit areas, properties on the eastern side of the road would have insufficient parking opportunities.

Gil Richardson indicated that in streets that form the boundaries of two parking permit areas, holder of either permit applies to both sides of the street. Therefore in the case of Nicholson Street properties on the eastern side of the road can park on the western side of Nicholson Street within the Permit Zone.

Other Parking Changes

Various minor changes on Bridge Street / Lawson Street / Albion Street / Peterleigh Grove / Napier Street and Hoddle Street


Other Issues / Requests

Fletcher Street / Napier Street

Possibility to provide more parking in the shopping precincts

A Working Group member questioned if there were opportunities to provide additional parking supply in the shopping precincts along Fletcher Street and Napier Street.

Based on the discussions of the Working Group, the following items were identified that Traffix Group and Council officers would review provide feedback to the Working Group:

1. Napier St / Raleigh St / Brewster St / Nicholson St / Kilmartin St / Ardoch St – Review the possibility of maintaining the existing Permit Zones adjacent to residential properties during the evening.

2. Nicholson Street – Review the length of school drop‐off/pick‐up area required.

3. Fletcher Street / Napier Street – Review the opportunities to provide more parking supply in the shopping areas on Fletcher Street and Napier Street.

It was indicated that the results of the investigations and the revised version of the Proposed Parking Management Plan would be circulated to the Working Group via email, prior to the consultation of the wider community.

G16257‐02


9. NEXT STEP

Following the review of the issues highlighted by the Working Group, a survey questionnaire will be distributed to the community seeking their opinion on the plan. These responses to the circular will be analysed and the Working Group will meet a third time to discuss the community’s response to the plan.

10. CLOSE OF MEETING

Brent Hodges closed the meeting at 9:05pm.

16257 TSG Meeting #2 Minutes - Fletcher/media/Files/Parking and transport/Parking... · FLETCHER...

Documents

Transcript of 16257 TSG Meeting #2 Minutes - Fletcher/media/Files/Parking and transport/Parking... · FLETCHER...