Residents asked for views on parking
Written by Shaun Moore on March 17, 2010
People in Cheltenham and Gloucester are being asked to take part in a review of residents parking.
Following the introduction of Gloucestershire County Council’s new Residents Parking Policy in January, there starting to assess where schemes are most needed.
The first stage of the review involves sending out questionnaires to residents to find out more about local parking pressures.
Over the next year they will be contacting around 18,000 households in 19 areas within Cheltenham and Gloucester.
Feedback will be taken into account when they look at how they can improve existing parking schemes and where new schemes are needed.
In the second stage of the review they will draw up proposals for highest priority areas and ask residents to give their views at drop in sessions, online or by post.
Schemes will only be introduced after a third and final stage of consultation where they will consider any remaining objections.
There is currently very high demand for residents parking in parts of Cheltenham and Gloucester and the new policy will give a consistent approach to judge each application and help them determine where a scheme could work.
Residents parking schemes are aimed at making it easier for residents with a permit to park closer their home, improving quality of life and reducing congestion.
Not all areas will be suitable for inclusion in a residents parking scheme.
Each area has its own pressures and successful parking schemes need to strike a balance between the needs of residents, businesses, shoppers and visitors.
Cllr Stan Waddington, cabinet member for environment, said: “Parking is an emotive subject and one that people feel very strongly about.
“This council is committed to finding a solution that works for everyone – residents, businesses, shoppers and visitors.
“Residents’ parking is a key element of this and I hope that having a consistent approach to allocate areas throughout Cheltenham and Gloucester will help alleviate problems.
“If you receive a questionnaire it is important you fill it in because we will only introduce a residents parking scheme if there is a proven need for it. What you tell us will also help us build the right scheme to meet the needs of your area.”
To find out more visit www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/parking or call 08000 514 514.
