STOCKTON COUNCIL MOVES FORWARD WITH NEW CAR PARKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR YARM informing the press before local Councillors. One local Conservative councillor said” It is utterly inexcusable, and demonstrable of the contempt demonstrated by the council throughout this entire farcical process, that the press appear to have been briefed before ward councillors. In fairness to you however, it does not come as anything of a surprise.” Stockton Council has drawn up final detailed plans to introduce a range of new parking arrangements in Yarm. The plans include 30 minutes’ free parking, free parking after 5pm and on Sundays, short-stay pay and display parking spaces and new residents’ parking permits. Implementation of the plans, which were approved by Stockton Council’s Cabinet in January, follows a period of consultation and discussion with businesses, Yarm Town Council and Yarm Chamber of Trade. The Chamber of Trade has negotiated the increase of the free parking period from 20 to 30 minutes following the submission of a reasoned case showing that it would benefit smaller retailers and local shoppers that complete quick errands in the town centre. Residents have been consulted on the introduction of a residents’ parking permit scheme and those who have no alternative but to use the High Street to park may now qualify for up to two permits per household. Permit holders will be able to park anywhere on the High Street and will also be provided with a number of household visitor permits each year. For the first time, visitors will be able to park on the High Street for longer than the two hours allowed under the current disc arrangements. Visitor parking in the High Street will be managed through a pay and display system operating from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday. Under the new arrangements, the first 30 minutes’ parking will be free, with a £1 charge for the next two hours and £1 for each hour thereafter. Parking charges will be payable in cash, credit or debit card at on-street pay and display machines or via easy-to-use mobile phone technology. There will also be flexibility to run parking promotions based on special events. Prior to implementation, a statutory 21-day period of consultation will take place from tomorrow (Thursday 27 June) to Friday 19 July. This will provide the community with an opportunity to comment on the detail of the proposed arrangements. Councillor Mike Smith, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Transport, said: “As something that impacts on the large majority of businesses and residents, the review of the parking arrangements in Yarm has created a lot of debate. “We have listened to the comments, suggestions and concerns expressed throughout this discussion and we fully understand that some people are still unhappy with the new plans. “However, we have done all that we can to explain the reasons behind the plans and have tried to address as many of the concerns raised as possible. “Yarm is a busy, thriving town with visitors throughout the year and we want it to remain so. Our aim is to provide a range of parking options that can accommodate people’s needs whilst managing congestion and ensuring the road and highways remain safe. “We have worked hard to produce a set of plans that balance the different parking needs of residents, businesses and visitors including the introduction of residents’ parking permits. “With any changes, it is important that the different views and possible impacts of them are discussed in an open and honest way.” As part of the review, Stockton Council has continued to meet with Yarm Town Council, the Federation of Small Businesses and the Chamber of Trade to set out how the proposed changes will work. Whilst these new arrangements will provide a solution to short-stay parking in Yarm, the Council continues to work hard to provide additional long-stay car parking spaces. Councillor Smith said: “Work to secure long-stay car parking spaces is ongoing and we are confident that some long-stay options will be deliverable in the near future.” Further information on the plans is available on the Council’s website at stockton.gov.uk/yarmparking. If you would like to comment on the plans, write to: David Bond, Director of Law and Democracy, Municipal Buildings, Church Road, Stockton, TS18 1LD. Comments must be received by Friday 19 July.
Posted on: Wed, 26 Jun 2013 16:24:11 +0000
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