Mixed reaction to new rules to stop ‘selfish’ parkers
CHANGES TO VILLAGE CAR PARK AFTER SOME LEFT THEIR VEHICLES THERE FOR DAYS
NEW parking restrictions which aim to stop selfish parkers in a village have divided opinions.
Some believe the move will have the desired effect, preventing drivers from occupying spaces for days, while others fear it could impact trade in the area.
The changes came at the free-to-use High Street car park in Ibstock, where 25 bays have been painted blue and turned into three-hour maximum stay spaces.
They had originally been restrictionfree, but North West Leicestershire District Council said it had made changes following complaints that some drivers had been hogging the spaces for hours and even days at a time.
However, one man, who did not wish to be named, told the Mercury: “It’s ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous. I can’t see any benefits from it.
“I get why they’ve done it but it should have been left as it was. Common sense needs to prevail. Not much has been used here.”
The new restriction bays came into force on Monday, March 11, following council reviews into parking in the area.
It had been claimed some drivers had used the car park as a parking space for their homes and were denying those attempting to use the spaces for the swimming facilities at the adjacent Ibstock leisure complex and exercise classes at The Palace community centre.
The blue bays also operate on a one-hour no return basis.
The remainder of the High Street car park is unchanged, with no restrictions in place.
Some believe the move is a positive one.
Nurse Karen Noon, 66, from Moira, said: “I think it’s a good idea.
“It’ll stop people hogging spaces for those wanting the leisure centre.
“It could work quite well in other places, too, especially the market towns.
“It’s the right idea for a free car park.”
Ibstock resident Gary Murphy said he believed the change benefited him.
The 72-year-old said: “Personally, I find it okay, as I use The Palace for a couple of things.
“There used to be cars here all day. People were abusing it.
“I think those most upset will be the selfish ones that were abusing it, to be honest.”
Despite his praise for the scheme, Mr Murphy did raise some concerns. He said: “I’m all for free parking and want to support the High Street, but you do wonder if it’ll cause people to park elsewhere and just use other roads.
“I’m surprised how many spaces there were when I pulled in today – and they were all in the blue area.”
Ibstock resident Ann Briers was similarly wary of the consequences of the move.
Ann, 56, said: “I’ve always lived in Ibstock and when I worked at the pharmacy we always parked there. The town used to be very busy.
“That car park has always been busy, but Ibstock isn’t now.
“I just think you could drive people away from shopping here if they can only see the maximum stay spaces. It could have a real knock-on effect here.”
The blue bays are in force between 8am and 5pm on Monday to Saturday, excluding bank holidays.
More information can be found on the
council’s website.