After years of waiting significant work is currently underway to implement a residents parking scheme in Leigh Woods. Residents have seen significant work over the past few weeks to paint lines, erect parking signs, and install pay and display machines.
It was hoped that the scheme would go live at the beginning of February. However, a couple of issues with the IT system that administers residents permits has resulted in a short delay. The latest view is that the scheme will become operational toward the end of February or very early March. I am presently having weekly meetings with Council staff to resolve issues and monitor progress.
This means there will be a few weeks when the physical scheme is in place but the council will not be charging or enforcing. In this interim period people will still be able to park anywhere (except on double yellow lines of course) without the need to pay. This includes parking in residents spaces and for an unlimited time in other short/long stay spaces. Once the scheme is operational enforcement activity will commence.
All residents will be written to in advance of the scheme going live with details of how to apply for a permit. The application will likely be on a dedicated page of the councils website. A minimum of two weeks notice will be given to all residents.
For residents without access to the internet alternative provision will be made.
The installation of signs as well as pay and display machines has understandably caused some concern.
Signs need to simultaneously be visible and discreet. This is a difficult balance to achieve and I am presently working with council staff to ensure that this is the case. Over the next few days I will be conducting a site visit to discuss specific concerns with a view to making changes.
The pay and display machines being installed are re-used, having been removed from other locations in NSC. Ideally these would have been reconditioned prior to installation but a delay in new parts arriving means that they have been installed prior to remedial work. I have been assured by council staff that after re-commissioning they will look a lot better. I remain concerned that some of the machines are blue, rather than black which is more befitting of an area with conservation status. Apparently the different colour is to help signify areas for short stay parking. I am continuing to talk to council staff about this and remain concerned.
If you want to keep up to date on local issues in and around Long Ashton, Failand, Wraxall, and Leigh Woods then please sign up to my newsletter. It comes out (roughly) monthly and is a summary of all the articles I post on this website and social media.
Published and promoted by Ashley Cartman for and on behalf of the North Somerset Liberal Democrats, 10 Fenshurst Gardens, Long Ashton, BS41 9AR.