We constantly monitor traffic flow in the city
REGARDING the letter from Mr J Hesketh published on Wednesday 4 December I would like to encourage him not to be put off from visiting Coventry city centre.
As he and many other shoppers will be aware there are certain days of the week - and times of the year - when our car parks are particularly busy and I can assure Mr Hesketh that we do monitor – not only the flow of traffic in and out of council and private car parks - but also the flow of traffic throughout the city centre to identify issues as they crop up.
I’m sorry that when he contacted the council he was told that we were unaware of any issues as I can assure him that this is not the case and in fact although he experienced a long delay in exiting West Orchards car park on that day colleagues had done everything they could to facilitate vehicles exiting the car park.
The problem is perceived to be the car park, but delays are often caused by the amount of vehicle and pedestrian traffic in the nearby area. Unfortunately, traffic congestion on Corporation St and Upper Well St can cause a knock-on effect up into the car park.
We are doing all that we can to ease this situation and have increased the amount of traffic officers working at busy periods in and around the car park to try to resolve problems as they occur.
Throughout the city centre there are around 3,000 parking spaces and we have recently reduced the charges in Salt Lane car park on Saturdays.
Despite the popularity of online shopping the pressures on car parks is a result of the appeal of Coventry city centre for visitors and shoppers.
Obviously, businesses and the economy benefit from a thriving city centre, but Mr Hesketh can be assured that we will continue to ensure that any visit is not tainted by any unnecessary delays for people whatever form of transport they use to come into the city centre. Greg Payne
Head of Traffic and Network Management
Coventry City Council
Come and join Xmas celebration
THE Tile Hill Village Residents Association, in co-operation with Orbit Housing Group, will stage their annual Christmas celebration from 3pm to 5pm on Sunday 15 December at Tanyard Community Centre, Tanyard Close.
There will be free entry, singing of relevant songs, a free buffet and, above all, a very welcoming atmosphere.
I shall be there and hope that many other residents will also come for this pleasant occasion. Cllr David Skinner Westwood Ward Coventry City Council