Traffic congestion and pollution in Bridgnorth are a concern for the town's residents, and we're keen to encourage residents to lead a healthier lifestyle by considering alternative modes of transport, thus reducing vehicle usage in the town as well as combatting climate change.
This questionnaire is the first stage in gathering residents’ views on parking issues in the Pale Meadow Road area, and we'd really welcome you taking a few minutes to complete the questionnaire, letting us know your thoughts about the changes being proposed.
Following this, there will be a face-to-face public workshop event, which will probably be held in Bridgnorth Library, where plans will be on display and residents will be able to see for themselves the changes which are being proposed for residents' parking schemes for each parking scheme throughout the town. Residents will be able to speak to us at this event, as well as members of staff from Shropshire Council’s Parking Team, who will also be in attendance. It's hoped that following feedback from residents the revised residents' parking schemes will be introduced sometime next year.
Christian Lea, Shropshire councillor for Bridgnorth East and Astley Abbotts
Kirstie Hurst-Knight, Shropshire councillor for Bridgnorth East and Astley Abbotts
In response to concerns regarding parking congestion we're giving consideration to the introduction and revision of a number of residents on-street preferential parking schemes in Bridgnorth. Earlier this year we consulted with residents on scheme proposals in the following scheme areas:
A residents' parking scheme is usually provided as a means to help residents park their vehicles within a reasonable distance of their home, where vehicles not belonging to residents are making this difficult.
For any scheme to be considered there needs to be formal recognition of an observable and persistent problem. Therefore, before any scheme proposal can be implemented it's essential that support at a local level is obtained, before progressing to wider consultation. We're now seeking the views of residents within the proposed scheme areas.
How does a residents' parking scheme work?
Residents within a scheme area are able to purchase a permit to enable them to park within a residents' parking zone and/or designated residents' parking bay without restriction within a reasonable distance to their home.
Possession of a residents' parking permit doesn't guarantee a parking space. Vehicles without a permit will continue to be able to gain access for purposes of loading and unloading, and blue badge holders will also be able to continue to park without restriction.
Along with the introduction of any new and revised residents' preferential parking schemes, we'll also be introducing a digital permit system enabling residents to purchase permits. This will allow the customer to make their own changes, for example changes to vehicle details online and over the phone as and when required.
Permit allocation for each scheme, including a definitive list of properties entitled to permits, is required to be laid down in an appropriate traffic regulation order (TRO). Enforcement of residents parking schemes will be carried out by our civil enforcement officers (CEOs).
How many permits are residents entitled to?
When the number of available parking spaces available in any proposed residents parking scheme is equal to or greater than the number of properties, residents of those properties will be entitled to purchase a maximum of two residents’ permits per residential property.
When the number of on-street parking spaces available in any proposed residents' parking scheme is less than the number of properties registered, resident permit allocation is normally limited to a maximum of one resident permit per residential property.
A significant factor in many residential areas is that there is simply not enough available space on-street to accommodate all residents’ vehicles. By limiting each residential property to one permit per residential property this will allow all residents equal opportunity to park a vehicle within a reasonable distance of their home.
However, in extreme circumstances, where the majority of residential properties support an increase to two permits per residential property and this is also supported by the Shropshire Council elected member/s, the number of permits made available to each residential property may be increased to two permits per residential property.
Visitor stays may also be allocated to residential properties within a scheme, in which case each registered residential property within the scheme will be entitled to receive a maximum allocation of up to 200 hours of visitor parking per annum.
How much will permits cost?
With the new scheme proposals resident parking permits will cost £100 per annum. There is no charge for a change of vehicle registered on permits.
Visitor stays are allocated to each residential property registered in a scheme. Residents who purchase an annual parking permit will also be entitled to receive an allocation of 200 hours’ free visitors parking stays per annum.
Residents with a registered residential property in a scheme who don't take up the annual parking permit allocation will still be entitled to receive an allocation of 200 hours’ free visitor parking stays per annum. The annual registration cost for this service is £5.
These charges are to cover the operational, maintenance and administration costs of the schemes.
The Pale Meadow Road parking scheme proposals
A plan showing the extent of a proposed scheme for Pale Meadow Road area is attached to this page.
It's proposed that the identified residential properties on Pale Meadow Road, Washbrook Road, Craig Walk and Lavington View will be included in the Pale Meadow Road residents parking scheme.
A total of 93 residential properties would be entitled to parking permits, enabling them to use parking in the Pale Meadow Road scheme.
It's estimated that there are a total of 25 on-street parking spaces available within the Pale Meadow Road area.
To help us better understand the scale of the parking problems in your area and tailor the scheme proposals to best suit the needs of the residents, your views would be appreciated. To have your say, just click on the 'How to get involved' tab on this page.