Minutes of Local Traffic Committee Meeting

Local Traffic Committee Meeting

Minutes 15 November 2021

Minutes of Local Traffic Committee Meeting

Held remotely on 15 November 2021

Meeting commenced at 10.03AM

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY BY CHAIRPERSON

I acknowledge the Gadigal and Wangal people of the Eora nation on whose country we are meeting today, and their elders past and present.

COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVES PRESENT

Cr Victor Macri	Councillor – Midjuburi-Marrickville Ward (Chair)
Bill Holliday	Representative for Jamie Parker MP, Member for Balmain
Aislinn Stein-Magee	Representative for Jo Haylen MP, Member for Summer Hill
Cathy Peters	Representative for Jenny Leong MP, Member for Newtown
Solon Ghosh	Transport for NSW (TfNSW)

NON VOTING MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE

Cr Marghanita da Cruz	Councillor – Gulgadya-Leichhardt Ward (Alternative Chair)
Colin Jones	Inner West Bicycle Coalition (IWBC)
Adrian Prichard	Transit Systems – Inner West Bus Services
Tom Paine	Transport for NSW (TfNSW)
Manod Wickramasinghe	IWC’s Traffic and Transport Planning Manager
George Tsaprounis	IWC’s Coordinator Traffic Engineering Services (South)
Sunny Jo	IWC’s Coordinator Traffic Engineering Services (North)
Felicia Lau	IWC’s Engineer – Traffic and Parking Services
Jennifer Adams	IWC’s Engineer – Traffic and Parking Services
Christina Ip	IWC’s Business Administration Officer

VISITORS

Nil.

APOLOGIES:

SC Anthony Kenny	NSW Police – Inner West Police Area Command
Jacqui Thorburn	Representative for Jodi MacKay MP, Member for Strathfield

DISCLOSURES OF INTERESTS:

Nil.

CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES

The minutes of the Local Traffic Committee meeting held on 18 October 2021 were confirmed with the following amendments to the discussion in Item 2 and Item 21:

LTC1021(1) Item 2 Traffic Management Plan for the 2021 New Year's Eve Event

Cr da Cruz commented that the event could be a COVID spreading event if public transport is insufficient and bus/ferry stops do not allow for social distancing. Cr da Cruz requested that the TMP address this issue. This request will be considered during planning by Police, Transit Systems and Council Officers.

LTC1021(1) Item 21 Pedestrian safety on Canal Road and Charles Street, Lilyfield

The representative for the Member for Balmain reiterated his request for a pedestrian crossing or speed cushions on the western approach to Charles Street, Lilyfield. Council Officers advised that investigations are ongoing.

MATTERS ARISING FROM COUNCIL’S RESOLUTION OF MINUTES

The Local Traffic Committee recommendations of its meeting on 18 October 2021 were adopted at Council’s meeting on 9 November 2021. Council also resolved that delegation be given to the General Manager to approve urgent items supported by the Traffic Committee, in discussion with the Mayor until Ordinary Council Meetings resume in February 2022.

EMAIL CONFIRMATION OF OFFICER’S RECOMMENDATION

The representative for NSW Police – Inner West supported the Officer’s recommendations for the items in their PAC.

The representative for Transit Systems supported all the Officer’s recommendations.

LTC1121(1) Item 1 Gladstone Lane, Newtown - Proposed signage and linemarking associated with public domain works
(Damun - Stanmore Ward/ Newtown Electorate/ Inner West PAC)

SUMMARY

As part of the development for Property No. 2-2A Gladstone Street, Newtown, the applicant has requested Council’s Local Traffic Committee approval for the proposed Public Domain Works as per applicant’s Condition of Approval. Public Domain works including formalising vehicular parking on the western side of Gladstone Lane and introducing parking restrictions on the eastern side of Gladstone Lane, as well as introducing Give Way restrictions.

Officer’s Recommendation

THAT the following restrictions be approved as shown on Attachment 1:

1. Three (3) line marked car spaces signposted as ‘90 degree Angle Parking Rear to kerb’ on the western side of Gladstone Lane, Newtown;

2. Two (2) line marked ‘Motorcycle Parking Only’ spaces on the western side of Gladstone Lane, Newtown;

3. ‘No Parking’ restrictions on the eastern side of Gladstone Lane, immediately north of the intersection with Wilford Street; and

4. ‘Give Way’ signage and line marking for vehicles exiting Gladstone Lane onto Wilford Street.

DISCUSSION

Cr da Cruz raised concerns that there is no delineation line proposed at the end of the angle parking bays to prevent parked vehicles obstructing the travel lane. Council Officers advised that the proposed signs and line marking is typical for angle parking and 6m is sufficient parking space for standard vehicles. Council Officers can investigate delineation line marking if obstruction to the travel lane becomes a problem.

The Committee members agreed with the Officer’s recommendation.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

THAT the following restrictions be approved as shown on Attachment 1:

1. Three (3) line marked car spaces signposted as ‘90 degree Angle Parking Rear to kerb’ on the western side of Gladstone Lane, Newtown;

2. Two (2) line marked ‘Motorcycle Parking Only’ spaces on the western side of Gladstone Lane, Newtown;

3. ‘No Parking’ restrictions on the eastern side of Gladstone Lane, immediately north of the intersection with Wilford Street; and

4. ‘Give Way’ signage and line marking for vehicles exiting Gladstone Lane onto Wilford Street.

For motion: Unanimous

LTC1021(1) Item 2 Bland Street, Ashfield – Proposed new raised pedestrian crossing - Design Plan 10174 (Gulgadya-Leichhardt Ward/ Summer Hill Electorate/Burwood PAC)

SUMMARY

Council has finalised design plans to construct a new raised pedestrian (zebra) crossing in lieu of the existing at-road level crossing in Bland Street north of Elizabeth Street, Ashfield. The proposed works will improve pedestrian and motorist safety and addresses various concerns about pedestrian safety and driver behaviour in the area.

Officer’s Recommendation

THAT the detailed design plan for a new raised pedestrian (zebra) crossing (with associated signs and line marking) in lieu of the existing at-road level crossing in Bland Street north of Elizabeth Street, (as per Plan No.10174) be APPROVED.

DISCUSSION

It was noted that this item is within the Gulgadya-Leichhardt Ward, not the Djarrawunang-Ashfield Ward.

The IWBC representative requested for bicycle symbol markings on Bland Street as this is a designated cycle route.

The TfNSW representative requested that the proposed speed hump warning signage be removed from the design as it is not standard signage for raised pedestrian crossings.

The Committee members agreed with the Officer’s recommendation.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

For motion: Unanimous

LTC1121(1) Item 3 Bland Street, Haberfield - Proposed raised pedestrian crossing (Gulgadya-Leichhardt Ward/Summer Hill Electorate/Burwood PAC)

SUMMARY

Council is planning to upgrade an existing pedestrian crossing in Bland Street, Haberfield near Denman Avenue by constructing a raised pedestrian crossing. The proposed works will improve pedestrian and motorist safety near Haberfield Public School.

Officer’s Recommendation

THAT the attached detailed design plan (Design Plan No.10181) for the proposed installation of a new raised pedestrian (zebra) crossing at Bland Street, Haberfield near Denman Avenue be approved.

DISCUSSION

The TfNSW representative requested that the proposed speed hump warning signage be removed from the design as it is not standard signage for raised pedestrian crossings.

The Committee members agreed with the Officer’s recommendation.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

THAT the attached detailed design plan (Design Plan No.10181) for the proposed installation of a new raised pedestrian (zebra) crossing at Bland Street, Haberfield near Denman Avenue be approved.

For motion: Unanimous

LTC1121(1) Item 4 Waratah Street, Haberfield - Proposed raised pedestrian crossing (Gulgadya-Leichhardt Ward/Summer Hill Electorate/ Burwood PAC)

SUMMARY

Council is planning to upgrade an existing pedestrian crossing in Waratah Street, Haberfield near Empire Street by constructing a new raised pedestrian crossing. The proposed works will improve pedestrian motorist safety near Dobroyd Point Public School.

Officer’s Recommendation

THAT the attached detail design plan (Design Plan No.10182) for the proposed installation of a new raised pedestrian (zebra) crossing at Waratah Street, Haberfield near Empire Street be approved.

DISCUSSION

The TfNSW representative requested that the proposed speed hump warning signage be removed from the design as it is not standard signage for raised pedestrian crossings.

The IWBC representative requested bicycle symbol markings in Waratah Street. Council Officers advised that the design includes bicycle symbols marked at each approach to the raised pedestrian crossing.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

THAT the attached detail design plan (Design Plan No.10182) for the proposed installation of a new raised pedestrian (zebra) crossing at Waratah Street, Haberfield near Empire Street be approved.

For motion: Unanimous

LTC1121(1) Item 5 Victoria Road, Marrickville at the rail overbridge between Charlotte Avenue and Meeks Street – Temporary full road closure - 2-week period - Christmas shutdown for the Southwest Metro Upgrade Project - Sydney Metro City & Southwest (Midjuburi-Marrickville Ward / Summer Hill Electorate / Inner West PAC)

SUMMARY

An application (ENRC/2021/0039) has been received from Sydney Metro City & Southwest for the temporary full road closure of Victoria Road, Marrickville at the Rail overbridge between Charlotte Avenue and Meeks Street, for a 2-week period scheduled for 0200 hours Sunday 26 December 2021 to 0500 hours Monday 10 January 2022 (contingency up to Monday 31 January 2022 0500 hours) in order to facilitate the Christmas Shutdown Rail Possession activities at the Victoria Road Bridge location. The road will be temporarily closed to all vehicular traffic, including emergency vehicles. It is recommended that the proposed temporary full road closures be approved, subject to the conditions outlined in this report.

Officer’s Recommendation

THAT the proposed temporary full road closure of Victoria Road, Marrickville at the Rail overbridge between Charlotte Avenue and Meeks Street, for a 2-week period scheduled for 0200 hours Sunday 26 December 2021 to 0500 hours Monday 10 January 2022 (contingency up to Monday 31 January 2022 0500 hours) be approved, in order to facilitate the Christmas Shutdown Rail Possession activities at the Victoria Road Bridge location subject to, but not limited to, the following conditions:

1. A Road Occupancy License be obtained by the applicant from the Transport Management Centre;

2. All affected residents and businesses, including the NSW Police Local Area Commander, Fire & Rescue NSW and the NSW Ambulance Services be notified in writing, by the applicant, of the proposed temporary road closure at least 7 days in advance of the closure with the applicant making reasonable provision for stakeholders; and

3. The occupation of the road carriageway must not occur until the road has been physically closed.

DISCUSSION

The Committee members agreed with the Officer’s recommendation.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

THAT the proposed temporary full road closure of Victoria Road, Marrickville at the Rail overbridge between Charlotte Avenue and Meeks Street, for a 2-week period scheduled for 0200 hours Sunday 26 December 2021 to 0500 hours Monday 10 January 2022 (contingency up to Monday 31 January 2022 0500 hours) be approved, in order to facilitate the Christmas Shutdown Rail Possession activities at the Victoria Road Bridge location subject to, but not limited to, the following conditions:

1. A Road Occupancy License be obtained by the applicant from the Transport Management Centre;

3. The occupation of the road carriageway must not occur until the road has been physically closed.

For motion: Unanimous

LTC1121(1) Item 6 Albermarle Street at the rail overbridge south of Challis Avenue, Marrickville – Temporary full road closure - 2 week period - Christmas shutdown for the Southwest Metro Upgrade Project - Sydney Metro City & Southwest (Midjuburi-Marrickville Ward / Summer Hill Electorate / Inner West PAC)

SUMMARY

An application (ENRC/2021/0046) has been received from Sydney Metro City & Southwest for the temporary full road closure of the rail over bridge on Albermarle Street just south of Challis Avenue, Marrickville for a 2-week period scheduled for 0200 hours Sunday 26 December 2021 to 0500 hours Monday 10 January 2022 (contingency up to Monday 31 January 2022) in order to facilitate the Christmas Shutdown Rail Possession activities at the Albermarle Street Bridge location. A contra flow system will operate in the last week of the closure between 5 and 10 January 2022 to facilitate a single lane closure on Wardell Road. The road will be temporarily closed to all vehicular traffic, including emergency vehicles and local residents. It is recommended that the proposed temporary full road closures be approved, subject to the conditions outlined in this report.

Officer’s Recommendation

THAT the proposed temporary full road closure of Albermarle Street (between Challis Avenue and Kays Avenue East), Marrickville for a 2-week period scheduled for 0200 hours Sunday 26 December 2021 to 0500 hours Monday 10 January 2022 (contingency up to Monday 31 January 2022 0500 hours) be approved, in order to facilitate the Christmas Shutdown Rail Possession activities on the Rail Overbridge subject to, but not limited to, the following conditions:

1. A Road Occupancy License be obtained by the applicant from the Transport Management Centre;

3. The occupation of the road carriageway must not occur until the road has been physically closed.

DISCUSSION

The Committee members agreed with the Officer’s recommendation.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

1. A Road Occupancy License be obtained by the applicant from the Transport Management Centre;

4. The occupation of the road carriageway must not occur until the road has been physically closed.

For motion: Unanimous

LTC1121(1) Item 7 Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan Study (All Wards/All Electorate/ All PACs)

SUMMARY

A Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan (PAMP) is a comprehensive strategic action plan used to develop pedestrian policies and build pedestrian facilities.

The draft PAMP study was put to Public Exhibition for 28 days in May and June 2021. Community feedback was collated and assessed to develop the final PAMP Action Plan as outlined in Attachment 1.

The final PAMP identifies maintenance and capital works to a value of approximately $18 million of which $8 million are high priority items. These works are recommended to be incorporated into Council’s Operational Program and Capital Works Program as well as grant funding applications. It is envisaged that the PAMP will be reviewed and updated approximately every 5 years in order to identify arising issues and rebalance priorities.

Officer’s Recommendation

THAT:

1. The final Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan (PAMP) report be adopted; and

2. The PAMP action plan detailing maintenance and capital works be supported to be included in Council’s operational program and Capital Works Program, noting some implementation may subject to further Local Traffic Committee and Council approval of detailed designs.

DISCUSSION

Cr da Cruz made the following comments:

· Pedestrian crossings should be improved to make motorists slow down and give way to pedestrians. Improvements could include clearer signage, speed cushions at the approach to crossings and refuges in the middle of crossings.

· Charles Street, Leichhardt and surrounding service lanes are not included in the PAMP. Residents have asked for a 10km/h Shared Zone in the laneway adjacent to Charles Street.

· Residents have requested that speed limits in service lanes be reduced to 10km/h.

· Residents are concerned issues with WestConnex traffic and rat running in Alt Street, Haberfield were not covered in the PAMP.

· A marked pedestrian crossing be constructed from Lewisham West light rail station at the pedestrian desire line.

Council Officers advised that Shared Zones in laneways are typically installed where it serves an important pedestrian function (e.g. laneways adjacent to a shopping precinct). It was noted that Shared Zones are not normally installed in residential laneways with low pedestrian volumes. Instead pedestrian movement is encouraged on adjacent street frontages where footpaths are available.

The representative for the Member for Newtown stated that a community advocacy group has made requests for improving pedestrian access and safety around schools. The requests will be forwarded to Council Officers.

The IWBC representative raised concerns with the absence of pram ramps at the intersection of Carlton Street, Smith Street and Longport Street, Summer Hill, and asked for that intersection to be investigated to improve access to Summer Hill shops.

The representative for the Member for Balmain commented that data in the accident map does not capture every pedestrian accident because accidents not requiring hospital treatment are not recorded by the police. The representative also commented that the walkway on the northern side of the City West Link, between Charles Street and James Street has been raised by tree roots. Furthermore, vehicles parked in Francis Street and Hubert Street are often parking across the access to the walkway. Council Officers will forward these comments to the relevant teams in Council.

The Committee members agreed with the Officer’s recommendation.

COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION

THAT:

1. The final Pedestrian Access and Mobility Plan (PAMP) report be adopted; and

For motion: Unanimous

General Business

LTC1121(1) Item 8 Pedestrian refuge on City West Link, Haberfield

The representative for the Member for Balmain commented that the pedestrian refuge on the City West Link, at Waratah Street, Haberfield, has been hit numerous times by westbound vehicles and asked for a review of the refuge. The TfNSW representative stated that an investigation is underway to improve the pedestrian refuge at the location.

LTC1121(1) Item 9 Cycling routes in Ashfield

Cr da Cruz stated that residents are interested in a one-way separated cycleway on Arthur Street and Norton Street, Ashfield. Cr da Cruz also asked how the project to improve cycle routes is progressing and whether there are safe cycle routes that connect to bike lockers at train station commuter car parks. Council Officers advised that Council’s Strategic Transport Planning team have commenced work preparing the Inner West Bicycle Strategy and Action Plan which will continue into 2022.

LTC1121(1) Item 10 Request for resident parking around Croydon Station and Ashfield Aquatic Centre

Cr da Cruz stated that residents have requested a Resident Parking Scheme around Croydon Station and Ashfield Aquatic Centre. Council Officers stated that they have received this request and are investigating it.

LTC1121(1) Item 11 Request to review resident parking permit eligibility

Cr Macri requested that Council Officers reconsider a resident’s eligibility for a resident parking permit that was recently denied. In previous years, Council had provided a permit for the resident’s trade vehicle on the basis that it did not fit in the resident’s off-street parking space. Council Officers advised that they are currently reviewing the request.

LTC1121(1) Item 12 Cycleway in Livingstone Road, Marrickville

Residents of Livingstone Road have raised concerns regarding the safety issues caused by the new cycleway constructed on Livingstone Road north of Marrickville Road the northern side of the road. Larger vehicles cannot pass each other in the narrowed road and cyclists are choosing to use the road instead of the cycleway. Residents have asked that a cycleway not be constructed south of Marrickville Road. Cr Macri also raised concerns with unsafe vehicle movements when reversing out of driveways, the absence of a splay at the corner Hastings Street and Livingstone Road, and flooding issues in Hastings Street since the construction of the cycleway.

The representative for the Member for Balmain suggested that the cycleway could be narrowed and converted to one-way for cyclists travelling up the hill on Livingstone Road and cyclists can ride with other traffic when going downhill.

Council Officers advised that the concerns raised can be further investigated and stated that engineers were aware of these concerns during the design stage and it was thought that the issues were addressed in the design. It was noted that a road safety audit, which can be presented to the Committee, may also address some of the concerns.

Meeting closed at 10.56am.