Dismay at proposals for residents’ parking zone

A Bath shop owner has said the proposed parking changes in his area could be “regrettable”.

Harry Wainwright, at Oldfield Park Book Shop on Moorland Road, was upset to hear his staff may no longer be able to park nearby because of a residents’ parking zone proposed for the area.

The move would bring in permits and short-stay spaces near the high street, aiming to make finding a space easier for people who live in the Oldfield Park and Westmoreland areas of Bath.

Harry said: “I thought that they were going to give our staff spaces, but now it appears that they are not and that is regrettable.”

The council website explains that traders can get two permits for business vehicles, like company vans, and two visitor parking spaces.

However, a business permit “cannot be used to provide staff parking” and that workers should “use more sustainable methods of transport, such as the park and ride, or local bus services.”

But Harry argued: “People who are working locally may not necessarily be able to get public transport if they are doing shift work.

“They need flexibility, they cannot rely on the buses.”

Leon Book runs Newleaf Health Foods at the bottom of Moorland Road and drives to work.

He admitted that he usually parked on the side streets and would have to leave his car “further out” if the zone took effect.

“I used to walk to work but I can’t now because I’ve got to take my kids to school and then I come here after the school run.

“I think it will force all the cars further out,” he said.

Many roads will become permit holder-only zones with a few “dual use” spaces where non-residents can park for two hours for free.

Irene Falla, who has lived on Maybrick Road for more than 50 years, explained why many people feel the permits are needed.

She said: “My husband can very rarely get parked on our road. Most of the time he has to park on South Avenue or Crandale Road.

“He has breathing difficulties and can’t walk far, so I have to stand in the space and keep it for him until he brings the car round.

“It’s been busier than ever since they shut the Cleveland Bridge and brought in the clean air zone.

“More people seem to be coming through here now.”

Many people believe that the shortage is due to the number of students living in houses of multiple occupancy (HMOS) in the area.

But Ashley Skerrett, a music teacher, felt that young people were not to blame.

He said: “People don’t like students and in the holidays when the students go home they are happy because it’s easier to get parked.

“But if students weren’t living in those houses, working people would be and they would be parking there all year round.

“I actually think the student houses are a good thing because they don’t all have cars.”

The 27-year-old, who lives on Triangle East, said he was not in favour of the proposed residents’ parking zone.

“I live in a house with three other people and we all need cars to get to work.

“As a music teacher, I have to travel around schools with as little as 10 minutes to get to my next lesson.

“Two of my housemates are musicians and you cannot take all your equipment with you on the bus you need a car.

“The fourth girl works in filming and has to travel to remote locations that public transport doesn’t cover.”

Ashley said he “didn’t know what to do” about the permits, as each house will only get two, or one if they have an off-road space.

The first permit would cost £100 and the second £160.

The public consultation on the Oldfield Park and Westmoreland residents’ parking zone is open until November 18.

I thought that they were going to give our staff spaces, but now it appears that they are not and that is regrettable. Shop owner Harry Wainwright