Residents' parking permit schemes could be introduced across North Somerset – as part of a major review of parking policy across the district.
North Somerset Council has set up a new panel with the specific task of reviewing current parking arrangements across the district.
One of the issues up for discussion is the introduction of residents' parking permits in Weston-super-Mare and other areas of the district including Long Ashton and Leigh Woods.
Currently in Weston town centre there is metered parking with charges applying between 8am and 6pm.
Residents can currently buy permits which allow them to park in nearby council owned car parks until after the charging period ends.
But the take up has been low and up until now any calls for a more permanent residents' parking permit scheme have been dismissed.
North Somerset Council executive member for business, economy and employment Councillor Mark Canniford said the issue of residents' parking schemes was now very much ‘on the table.’
Mr Canniford, whose portfolio includes parking arrangements, said: “In the past there has always been a red line when it came to discussing residents' parking permits.
“But now the idea is very much on the table and up for discussion.
“Such schemes could be introduced in Weston town centre where residents currently find it difficult to park close to their homes.
“But it could also apply to villages such as Long Ashton and Leigh Woods where people leave their cars all day and walk or catch a bus into Bristol to work.
“There are also issues in villages around Bristol Airport due to people parking their cars on residential roads to avoid paying.”
As well as the issue of resident's parking permits being looked at the panel will also consider other issues – such as the cost of parking and where it applies.
However Mr Canniford added that there were no plans to remove the current parking meters from Weston town centre.
“We want to use parking as a tool to help economic regeneration,” he said.
“Footfall is down and we need to use parking to change that and encourage people into our town centre.
“We want people to get involved and have their say. There will be a lot of consultation going forward.”
The review will also look at how people can pay for parking – perhaps introducing pay by card – and will eventually consider parking restrictions which are in place, such as double yellow lines, across the area.
“This is about creating a parking strategy which is fit for purpose for the whole district rather than taking a piecemeal approach,” added Mr Canniford.
“We want to do it once and do it right.”
The panel will be chaired by Councillor John Crockford-Hawley.
It will include councillors representing the most directly-affected wards and communities across the district from all political groups on the council.
“Speaking with local residents, parking is clearly a very emotive issue,” added Mr Canniford.
“There is an appetite in this new cross-party administration to create a fair and affordable parking policy and we are keen to involve residents and businesses in this process.
"As the review progresses we will be keeping the local community informed and giving everyone the opportunity to share their views with us.”
