Date: 01 August 2007 07:36

PARK YOUR VIEWS WITH US ON NEW DRAFT POLICY
Residents are being asked to have their say on a draft parking policy to help deal with the thousands of new motorists expected with the Cambridgeshire housing boom.
The new parking policy has been drafted in response to the increasing pressure on the County's road network brought about by development in the region.

Not only is the new policy designed to manage parking for new developments it will also mean existing residents will benefit.

Previously parking problems were sometimes moved from street to street following the introduction of parking permits. Now the new policy aims to introduce parking areas to avoid neighbouring streets becoming clogged with people parking irresponsibly and often blocking residents.

The policy looks to bring in controls to prohibit lorries parking in residential streets.

Over the next few years Cambridgeshire County Council is expecting demand for residents parking schemes to increase as new homes are built. The draft policy suggested that the provision of resident's parking should be balanced with other local needs and could allow for discounts for those residents opting for low emission vehicles.

Within the draft policy there is also provision for car club parking to help encourage more sustainable car use and reduce car ownership in urban areas. The draft policy also covers issues like the provision of blue badge parking, cycle parking and the relationship between parking charges and bus fares.

Cambridgeshire County Councillor Mac McGuire, Lead Member for Highways and Transport said: "This draft policy sets out important guidance for the introduction of various on-street parking controls including residents parking schemes, waiting restrictions and business permits. I believe it will be a real asset in helping County Council effectively manage on-street parking across the county. The purpose of this consultation is to gain feedback to help us shape the final parking policy for Cambridgeshire so I would like to encourage as many people as possible to let us know their views."

A copy of the draft parking policy is available at www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/transport/nm and the closing date for comments is Friday 7th September.

John Reynolds