Cheltenham permit scheme already ‘causing havoc’
Residents have been speaking out about the scheme, which is being rolled-out by Gloucestershire County Council
Last updated 20th Jun 2024
The hugely unpopular parking permit scheme which is being rolled out in Cheltenham has already brought “traffic chaos” to the town according to residents.
Gloucestershire County Council is moving to stop non-residents from parking on Hewlett Road, Hales Road, Pittville Circus Road and London Road in the north-east of the town.
The new parking scheme will come into effect Monday, September 4. And highways chiefs say it aims to make it easier for residents to find a parking space near their homes.
But the road markings that have been painted for the new parking regime are already causing havoc for motorists.
More than 1,000 people have signed a petition calling on the county council to reconsider the plans.
And Michael Bloxham says the arrangement of parking bays opposite each other on Hewlett Road is already leading to “traffic chaos”.
“Reducing this main road to single file – havoc will ensure once Berkhampstead returns after the holidays.
“Visibility for those turning out of Eldon Road or Jersey Avenue is severely limited, both myself and neighbours had near misses this weekend.
“It’s only a matter of time before there’s an accident due to this appalling piece of highway design.”
Heather Gillespie-Jones, a Fairview resident, says the changes will not provide the benefits the council claims it will.
She says the proposals are deeply concerning on multiple levels for the community.
“The sheer cost to residents to own vehicles and have visitors to their home is astounding,” she said.
“The 12-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week restrictions will be hugely detrimental not just to our social lives but also to our childcare – I’ve recently started a business and we rely on grandparents who drive here to support us.
“We also have family that live far away and come to stay regularly to see their grandchildren.
“The limited number of visitor spaces and limited visitor permits per household will not suffice and are a cause of great anxiety.
“The maximum 50 visitor permits a year equates to less than one visitor a week.
“What if we need a plumber or other tradesperson, we’ll have to sacrifice family time to allow for it.
“There are also less parking bays than the current number of spaces – this seems very counterintuitive to the basis of the council’s argument for providing more spaces for residents.
“The argument of bringing it in line with other areas doesn’t add up either – even Montpellier restrictions don’t operate seven days a week.
“Finally, Fairview has a great community spirit which, I feel, will be damaged by these awful money making parking enforcements.”
James Simmonds, another resident, says the changes pose a road safety risk, will hurt traders and the parking permit fees are another burden for families already struggling with the cost of living crisis.
“There are new parking bays on each side of the Hewlett Road near the Jersey Avenue junction,” he said.
“Previously no one parked on the right hand side as it is near a bend in the road and it was obvious that parking suited the left hand side only. Now the traffic is forced to pass in a single file.
“The only place this occurs on the whole of the Hewlett Road and will cause unsuspecting drivers to stop to determine who has right of way with oncoming traffic.
“In deciding on road markings and impact, effects such as this must be a consideration, however, this appears to be an oversight on behalf of the council.
“There are commonly traffic queues towards the mini roundabout at Hewlett and All Saints Road junction and this added restriction will cause more frustration to drivers in rush hour traffic.”
Mr Simmonds also says the council’s consultation ignored the sentiments of residents and some of the measures that are being implemented did not feature in the original plans.
“I saw the original plans as part of the consultation process and replied to the council advising them that this scheme did not have my support,” he said.
“The plans showed the open parking area outside my house changing to double yellow lines.
“It also showed the area outside my neighbour’s house, currently double yellow lines, to be free from any lines.
“Since the markings last week the whole area of road is now double yellow lines, and taking away the opportunity to park adjacent to our properties as a result.”
Mr Simmonds also fears that the curtailment of free parking options could affect shops near the mini roundabout at the Hewlett and All Saints Road junction.
Highways chiefs say the parking permit scheme aims to make it easier for residents to find a parking space near their homes.
This is just one of a few revisions to parking in Cheltenham that the council is enacting after public feedback.
This includes making parking controls more consistent across areas and merging some existing zones.
Highways cabinet member Dom Morris (C, Fairford and Lechlade-on-Thames) previously said that introducing permits into this area will help to ensure that parking is prioritised for residents.
“It will discourage commuters from parking in these residential areas and help to encourage them to use more sustainable methods of transport.
“I would like to thank residents and businesses in the community for sharing their thoughts during the consultation and helping to shape this scheme.”