Agenda and decisions

Councillor Stuart Gourley

Resolved that: the Executive Member for Environment and Highways approves the proposals as set out in Section 7 of this report, namely that:

·         The revisions and omissions recommended to the proposed parking scheme as detailed in section 6.2 of this report be approved which relate to East Lane and Hazeldene in Chieveley and Lower Way and Enterprise Way in Thatcham,

·         The remaining proposed restrictions at Aldermaston, Beenham, Greenham, Hungerford, Newbury, Padworth, Purley-on-Thames, Stratfield Mortimer, Thatcham, Theale and Tilehurst be introduced as advertised.

·         The respondents to the statutory consultation be informed accordingly.

·         The parking scheme be monitored so that any parking displacement can be addressed as part of a future parking review.

This decision is eligible to be ‘called-in’.  However, if the decision has not been ‘called-in’ by 5.00pm on 9 April 2026, then it will be implemented.

In accordance with the Council’s Constitution five Elected Members (Councillors Owen Jeffery, Tony Vickers, Jeremy Cottam, Martin Colston and Stephanie Steevensen) called in the Individual Member Executive Decision (ID4628) for the following reason:

We object to the removal of the double yellow lines at Lower Way (Plan AU74) – Traffic Regulation Order Amendment No. 37, ID4628.

Despite the Council’s efforts, cyclists continue to use the south-side path. If parking is reintroduced, cyclists are likely to use the south pavement to pass parked vehicles rather than safely overtaking on the road.

Limited off-street parking is a common issue on main roads. And the removal of the yellow lines is likely to cause traffic congestion, as westbound traffic joining along Lower Way from the Moors Roundabout will have to navigate parked vehicles, including at peak times.

There is no evidence that safety has worsened since the introduction of double yellow lines, unless supported by data showing increased incidents. Parked vehicles should not be used as a traffic-calming measure. In fact, the restrictions have improved traffic flow along this section of Lower Way.

Please note, we do not object to any of the other plans included within this Order.

Solution sought: To make the temporary No Waiting At Any Time restriction and the associated yellow lines permanent and for this to be included in the final scheme.

No other provisions of this ID to be affected.

Councillor Stuart Gourley

Resolved that:the Executive Member for Environment and Highways, approves Year 1 (2026/27) of the Three-Year Highway Improvement Programme 2026/27 – 2028/29 and other associated annual capital maintenance programmes (2026/27).

This decision is eligible to be ‘called-in’.  However, if the decision has not been ‘called-in’ by 5.00pm on 9 April 2026, then it will be implemented.