Calls for parking restrictions to be scrapped

There are fresh calls for controversial parking restrictions to be scrapped.

Gloucestershire County Council's (GCC) plan to introduce a new parking Zone 16 has been met by opposition from some Cheltenham residents.

The new area could be created following a review of a permit scheme, known as Zone 15, which has been beset by rows and delays. Under the proposals, residents in Zone 16 would have to park in marked bays, signed for their use.

But some residents claim the scheme is "flawed". Meanwhile, council bosses said the plans are based on feedback from locals.

Zone 15, which was launched in December 2023 and covers the All Saints area, was set up to discourage commuters from parking in residential areas.

It covers streets including Hewlett Road and London Road.

But locals said visitors were unable to park near their home as a result, the Local Democracy Reporting Service reports.

One of the suggested changes is splitting Zone 15 into two areas.

There would be a maximum stay in parking bays of four hours for non-residents during Zone 16's operational time.

Outside of operational hours, vehicles could be parked on single yellow lines, if it is safe to do so.

But some residents believe the scheme is unnecessary.

They claim the data used to justify the introduction of the parking restrictions is flawed, due to it being collected during a Covid lockdown.

“The review that had been secured by the residents fails to ask whether a parking scheme is needed or wanted," the petition reads.

"When you look at GCC parking Feasibility policy many of the roads do not meet the criteria for a parking scheme.

“The data collected prior and during a national lockdown is flawed and not fit for purpose, no new data is available.

"We are calling on GCC to scrap the proposed Zone 16 and also allow roads in Zone15 to opt out."

A council spokesperson previously said they will analyse all the feedback of the public survey, which concluded last month, to ensure they can provide an improved scheme for all residents.

The petition runs from 1 October until 28 October.

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