Consultation on match day restricted parking zones

Shropshire County Council, Shrewsbury and Atcham Borough Council and Shrewsbury Town Football Club are reminding people to have their say about proposed parking restrictions on residential streets near the New Meadow Stadium in Shrewsbury.

These organisations are part of a liaison group looking into the problem of indiscriminate parking during match days.

If the proposals are supported, football fans will be discouraged from parking in Sutton Farm, Meole Estate, Meole Village and Belle Vue, and be encouraged to use alternative transport such as Park and Ride facilities.

For this scheme to work, residents in these areas will require a residents parking permit, proposed to cost £5 a year to park on match days.

The proposed restricted parking zones will only apply on match days and the zones will be patrolled. Shropshire County Council will ensure that the areas affected have clear signage detailing the scheme.

Liz Parsons, Shropshire County Councillor for Sutton and Reabrook, said: “I have had numerous calls, letters and e-mails from residents asking for a solution to the difficult issue of football fans parking in residential areas. The liaison group has looked in detail at various schemes and this best represents a positive way forward.

“The aim of the scheme is to ensure that residential areas close to the stadium are not turned into a car park by those attending football matches.

“The zone would be patrolled and anyone parking on the road without a permit would be liable to be fined. If this scheme is not supported by residents we could have a growing number of fans parking anywhere in the residential area. I hope residents respond favourably to the proposed scheme.”

Shropshire County Council has sent out letters to those affected by the proposals to capture their views. The deadline for consultation is Monday 23 June.

17 June 2008