Citywide parking controls take a step closer after public has a say
Proposals for citywide parking controls in Chichester are moving forward – despite most consultation respondents being opposed to the plan.
The ‘parking management plan’ (PMP), which went to consultation earlier this year, is being developed by West Sussex County Council in response to growing pressures on parking space in the city.
It advocates paidfor parking and waiting restrictions on residential streets to zones throughout Chichester, the 21 new zones pictured here in blue.
Following a meeting of the South Chichester County Local Commitee in June, the county council has given the go ahead for the plans to be developed into draft traffic regulation orders (TROS).
A number of amendments are to be made to the parking plan in response to specific concerns.
It is expected the draft TROS will be advertised for public comment this year. Responses will go to the appropriate cabinet member, who will decide whether or not to implement the proposals.
A report to the county council director of highways, transport and planning noted that of 1,341 responses to the public consultation, 57 per cent were opposed to the scheme.
It added: “It is accepted that there is a significant level of objection to the proposals as they stand, particularly from people who live outside of the proposed PMP area and who might come into Chichester to work etc.
“Unfortunately, in many cases, it will not be possible to resolve these objections or meet everyone’s expectations but despite this, officers are of the view that the proposal for a city wide PMP is still feasible, especially as a series of mitigation measures could be put forward in order to make the proposal more workable and acceptable.
“On that basis, officers would like to consult again with the public and stakeholders and consider that proposals for a city wide PMP should be progressed to a statutory advertisement.”
Conditions on that decision include that, should the plans be approved, consideration be given to implementing the plans in phases, as requested by Chichester District Council. Changes to parking behaviours could then be monitored and plans adapted to particular issues or areas left unrestricted.
The take up of residents’ permits would also be ‘dynamically assessed’ to allow non-resident permits to be offered ‘as quickly as possible’, and those nonresident permits could be payable in instalments.
A ‘full review’ would also be undertaken of the existing Controlled Parking Zones.