The Arguments For
Why we need an Residents Parking Zone (RPZ)
We are tired of our streets being a free 24/7 "long-term" inner city car park
Our streets are heavily congested. Large numbers of non-residents leave their cars in our streets and walk into the city. Why? Because there’s a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) in the city centre. Commuters, shoppers and students park here as a result. So do owners and tenants of flats in the CPZ who don’t have their own parking. We are affected by this all day and every day and night. We are on the front line. And it will get worse, with 2,000 new commuters who will occupy offices under construction at Harbourside, Deanery Road and the Triangle from 2009.
Ambulances and Fire Engines will be able to gain access
Because there are so many cars in our area, some badly parked(see the picture gallery), large vehicles like ambulances, fire engines, waste management trucks and other key service vehicles sometimes can’t get down many of our roads. This causes distress to those in urgent need of emergency help. It is also upsetting when our rubbish isn’t collected.
There will be more double yellow lines, regardless
Some additional double yellow lines will be introduced by the Council whether we have an RPZ or not. These will be to stop obstructive parking on corners and consequently will add to the pressure to reduce the number of cars.
Yet there will be more parking spaces for residents
Households that pay Council Tax will be entitled to have parking permits. The first car will cost £30 a year (about half a tank of petrol) and a second £80. This means non residents and students will not be able to park here during the restricted hours. This will considerably reduce the congestion in our streets. The new scheme will operate Monday to Saturday, 8:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Our visitors and workmen will be able to park more easily
Each household is entitled to 50 free parking permits a year for visitors and another 50 at £1 each. The permits will run until 11:00 am the following day. There will also be “pay and display” areas.
For most people this will be sufficient to satisfy their needs. Consequently, we will be able to rest in the knowledge that our friends and family will be able to find somewhere to park during weekdays and Saturdays. The nightmare of workmen coming to our premises and not being to park near our houses will be over.
The permits are not a tax
The scheme will be self funding. The fees we pay will go to fund the running and enforcement of the scheme. The Council will open its books. If you don’t trust the Council then you’ll be able to check it out for yourself.
The scheme is well constructed
The council has listened carefully to objections from the public at its consultation meetings and made changes to the original plans – which were 24 hours a day every day and the permits cost more. Before the pilot areas are implemented the council will consult with us further, street by street. But the plan can’t be perfected until the pilot schemes are put into action.
That’s why the Council is having pilot schemes.
