Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
YELLOW LINES ON SEVENTY STREETS
Stricter parking restrictions being proposed to ease traffic
A raft of new parking restrictions could see new or extra yellow lines painted on 70 streets across the Canterbury district.
The city council is consider- ing a number of new proposals now out for public consultation.
It has also released plans for pave- ment parking bans, with one order put forward covering every street on one of the city’s oldest housing estates.
Cllr Ben Fitter-harding said: “I would urge everyone to see if their road is affected, and if it is, to make their views known. We want to get this right.”
Double yellow lines could be painted along more than 70 streets in the district as part of a raft of new parking restrictions.
A list of proposed sites, released by the council, details roads across Canterbury, Herne Bay and Whitstable being considered for stricter measures.
The document also reveals areas earmarked for pavement parking bans, as well as streets where charges may be increased.
In a handful of cases the authority is also considering relaxing restrictions.
The proposals form part of the council’s annual parking review and have been released for public consultation following recommendations made by residents, councillors and other organisations.
In Canterbury, 19 sites are earmarked for new or extra double yellow lines.
Many have been suggested to allow easier access for bin lorries, with Kent Avenue, St Edmund’s Road, George Roche Road and Keats Corner among the problem streets being considered.
Double yellows are also being lined up in Fordwich, which is regularly used as a rat-run for rush hour vehicles.
It is suggested the added restrictions will ease the flow of traffic because the busy stretch will be cleared of parked cars.
Pavement parking bans are also being considered at 13 sites across Canterbury and the surrounding villages, including the entire London Road estate.
Other spots include St John’s Place in the city and Riverside Close in Bridge, which are used by parents dropping off or collecting their children from school.
Increased pay-and-display prices are also earmarked across the city to “bring charges into line with car park charges”.
Cllr Ben Fitter- Harding, the chairman of the council’s regeneration and property committee, says the public’s views on the parking review are vital.
He said: “These proposals could affect the availability of parking right outside people’s homes, so it’s one of the most important consultations we carry out each year.
“Many of the suggestions have come from individuals, so we need to know whether these ideas have wider support before they can be implemented.
“And a change in one location may have a knock-on effect elsewhere, so the full implications need to be considered.
“I would urge everyone to see if their road is affected and if it is, to make their views known. We want to get this right and the input of residents is vital.”
To view and comment on the proposals visit www.canterbury.gov.uk/yellowlines before the deadline of Friday, February 16.
What do you think? Email kentishgazette@thekmgroup. co.uk.