Mixed welcome for bid to beat ‘crazy’ parking
PARK PERMIT SCHEME IN RESPONSE TO RESIDENTS’ COMPLAINTS
WOLLATON residents have mixed views about new restrictions meant to stop parking chaos.
The rules came into effect yesterday around Wollaton Park not already covered by schemes – like the entrance on Parkside and side roads. People parking in the area must have permits or face fines.
Residents have frequently complained that streets around the park were being used as free parking, inconveniencing homeowners.
A similar scheme has been in force since 2018 on the other side of the park.
Self-employed Bushra Rashid, 47, who lives over from the Wollaton Park entrance, said: “I’m very pleased to see it. The issue was especially bad during the pandemic, it was absolutely crazy.
“Because of how my garden is when a jeep or something would park outside my drive it could be pretty dangerous.
“I only moved here a year ago and the whole parking issue nearly put me off, to be honest.
“The permit isn’t in place yet but I think it’s already making a difference – there are less people parking around here now.”
But another homeowner, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “I don’t think it’s right to do this. People were only doing this because they couldn’t afford the car park.
“Wollaton Park should be for everyone – that’s what it was designed to be!”
But they added: “My viewpoint that it is a bit unfair on people coming to visit is very much the minority in this area.”
Park-goers seemed to understand the reason for the scheme, despite access fears. Sue Millichap, 40, who works for Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust said: “We used to park here sometimes when we went to the park. But I can completely understand why the people who live here would not want that to happen on their street.
“That being said, some people struggle to pay the prices that are charged elsewhere like at the actual park.”
Retiree Terry Spencer, 62, said: “I assumed that all the parked cars were from residents. I can understand it absolutely, I would not want people doing the same thing outside of my house.
“As someone who uses a mobility scooter, it’s also important to say that this sort of parking effects disabled people so it’s not only a good change for the people who live around here.”
Councillor Steve Battle much said the scheme was prompted by residents.
“Ever since we introduced the parking restrictions on the other side of the park in 2018, people on Parkside have said that they had the same problems. This is now one of the biggest parking schemes there is and some people on the edges might see it as excessive, but I was getting contacted over and over about this issue.
“It’s already had an effect and if it leads to more people staying in the car park or walking and cycling then that’s good all round.”