Councillor backs call for student parking review

6.44.26pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 31st Aug 2004

Following a meeting with local residents concerned about student parking in the area local Lib Dem Councillor Shaun McGall is calling on the Executive Member for Transport to consult local residents on creating a new resident parking area for Oldfield Park in Bath.

Cllr Shaun McGall (Liberal Democrat; Oldfield Park) who Chairs the Council's Student Liaison Committee says:

"Over the last five years the parking situation has increasingly worsened in our area. It is clear that the major problem is student houses of multiple occupation where you can have 3 or 4 cars parked in the street for one house. Multiply this by hundreds and you get some idea of how difficult it will be to park in our area from late September.

"Residents have now been pushed to the limit and it is time for the Council to try to help solve this area of tension. I am writing to the Executive Member for Transport asking that he consult local people on the introduction of a resident parking scheme for our area.

"I don't think that an unofficial scheme, as currently proposed by Downstream Bath (East Twerton Residents Association), is the way forward but I do understand their frustrations and this is why I think the Council must now take action.

"As the Chair of the Student Liaison Committee I will also be working with Student Leaders and the Universities to encourage students not to bring cars to Bath."

Councillor McGall is writing to the Council Executive asking for them to consult local people on the introduction of a new Residents Parking Zone. This area would include Oldfield Park and East Twerton, between Lower Bristol Road and Linear Park. It would also have some areas designated as 2-hour free parking for shoppers for Moorland Rd. As Chair of the Oldfield Outlook, a community enhancement programme, Cllr McGall is committed to improving Moorland Rd for local businesses, shoppers and residents alike.

Five years ago the area was split down the middle on a previous consultation and so the Council decided there was not clear support. Since then parking problems have become far worse and there is a far stronger feeling in the community that this issue needs to be tackled. A resident parking scheme would limit cars to a maximum of 2 per household and would directly tackle the problem of multiple student vehicles from one house.

Contact: Cllr Shaun McGall on 07766 200270.

Or if you cannot get the above contact Tim on 01225 477419 or 07776 437161 for assistance.