New parking restrictions to be enforced in Shrewsbury

A new restricted parking zone is to be introduced in Shrewsbury town centre. The restricted zone and the changes to the traffic regulation orders will become fully operational on Monday 6 October 2008. Drivers need to be aware of these parking restrictions to avoid receiving a parking ticket.

The new zone begins on Castle Gates at its junction with Smithfield Road and will extend along the route of Castle Street, St. Mary’s Street, Dogpole and Wyle Cop (to its junction with Beeches Lane) and some of the side streets, namely School Gardens, St. Mary’s Place, Windsor Place and St. Mary’s Water Lane.

The most obvious difference that motorists will see is the absence of double and single yellow lines, as these can be removed as part of the restricted zone approved by the Department for Transport. The removal of yellow lines, as undertaken along the High Street to Shoplatch route in past years, will obviously be of benefit and greatly improve the street scene in the centre of our medieval town.

Motorists will need to be more vigilant if they intend to leave their vehicles within the restricted zone, as they will need to comply with the new restrictions present. Motorists will need to look at the signs on this route, to understand the restrictions.

In essence, the whole of the restricted zone is a ‘no waiting’ area with the exception of marked designated bays for pay and display, loading, disabled (blue badge holders) and bus stops. In all other areas of the restricted zone, there are limitations as to the time of day vehicles will be permitted to carry out loading/unloading.

Blue badge holders will need to take particular care as some of the old double yellow line restrictions, which they may have traditionally parked on for up to three hours, have now been removed and replaced with a loading ban. People shoudl please check the new signs carefully before parking your vehicle.

ParkRight staff will be happy to give advice with the understanding and interpretation of the new restrictions, and to try and resolve any issues that motorists may have. They can be contacted on 01743 281199 for more information.

John Everall, Shropshire County Council’s Cabinet member for environment and sustainability, said: “The removal of the yellow lines has made a real difference to the appearance of our medieval town centre. We encourage people to check the parking signs, before leaving their cars or to ask a member of ParkRight for advice of where to park.

"We are always working to keep Shropshire moving, and these restrictions will help ensure people’s safety and prevent inappropriate parking, by making the best use of available space."

2 October 2008