35 streets where cars can park illegally
TRAFFIC wardens can't enforce parking restrictions in 35 Cheltenham streets – because of dodgy yellow lines and misplaced signs.
A list of the roads in which there are places drivers can't be targeted if they park illegally has been released by Cheltenham Borough Council following a Freedom of Information Act request by the Echo.
Among the affected streets are Bath Road, the High Street and Montpellier Walk. Problems include faded yellow lines and misleading signs about residents only parking.
In St Paul's Lane, traffic wardens can't stop motorists from parking on the double yellow lines because they have disap- peared.
Glyn Thomas, who lives in the road, said he had confronted wardens to ask why they didn't ticket cars which were blocking the pavement and inconveniencing residents.
He said: "Last time I asked, they said they couldn't give out tickets in the road.
"I asked why and they just said the street was off limits to them, but they wouldn't say why. I'd wondered why that was the case and I guess this explains it. It does seem silly but I guess stuff will fade with time and there will be problems. But this has been like this for some time so the council should really sort it out a bit sooner."
Responsibility for fixing problems with parking restrictions lies with Glouc- estershire Highways.
Jim Daniels, parking manager for Gloucestershire County Council, said the time between problems being reported and fixed depended on a variety of factors.
He said: "It would depend on the severity of the error and the complexity of fixing it. Obviously, some areas are more of a priority than others and therefore require attention more quickly.
"But in some cases, it may have been 10 years or more since that restriction was put in place.
"In those cases, it is sometimes appropriate to look at changing the restrictions.
"If that happens, we quite rightly have to undergo a consultation process with residents before any action is taken."
Traffic wardens are responsible for reporting problems with parking restrictions and advising whether they are unenfor- ceable.
Final respons- ibility for deciding whether cars can be ticketed if parked illegally falls to Mr Daniels.
He said: "If parking restrictions are judged to be unen- forceable, that is final until action's taken."
17 Comments
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by Sam, Chelt
Wednesday, June 24 2009, 12:06AM
“Thats my car, it has to park there as there is no-where else to park it.. it's constantly vandalised, by students! and i've had a ticket before....?”
by Maxi, Cheltenham
Tuesday, June 23 2009, 11:07PM
“Posting this here was idiotic”
by Morris Minor, High Street
Tuesday, June 23 2009, 8:11PM
“I bet if Jim Daniels lived in a street troubled with illegal parking, that would be a priority.
GCC is run by gentlemen farmers, who don't give two hoots about inner city congestion. They much prefer being able to park the Range Rover wherever they like.”
by Fed up, Gloucester
Tuesday, June 23 2009, 3:47PM
“There is a huge problem parking in Tredworth Gloucester. We have been told by the police that they can not enforce illegal parking; as they have been asked by the council not to! This is because there is not sufficient parking for all the residents due to the amount of houses being turned into flats.
Please someone sort it out so I can get in and out of my driveway.”
by FºCUS, glos
Tuesday, June 23 2009, 1:43PM
“so where's the list of the roads ?”
by Martin Pettit, Cheltenham
Tuesday, June 23 2009, 1:41PM
“So where are these locations? What is the link to the Council's page. I'm interested because I had a parking fine recently and I may be able to claim it back.”
by Joe K, Bring Back the REAL Citizen Facebook Page
Tuesday, June 23 2009, 12:15PM
“By the way, I know this is an article about motor restrictions in Cheltenham, but it's also the main article on the website, so I'm just going to take this opportunity to point out that plans have recently been proposed to impose a speed limit of 20mph on Barton Street in Gloucester, to 'improve road safety'. Existing traffic calming measures will apparently make this 'self-enforcing'.
I don't know if TiG has been informed about this, but the letter from Gloucestershire Highways, discussed at the Barton & Tredworth Neighbourhood Partnership's first meeting last night, has only been seen by a handful of individuals, I gather, as part of a 'formal consultation', and has to be responded to by July 8th. That doesn't seem like a long time, and may be extended, following a request.”
by Jay, Cheltenham
Tuesday, June 23 2009, 11:22AM
“After this article being printed, these issues I am sure will be sorted ASAP. I wouldn't think they will be un-enforceable for long, so I would beware if you are thinking of parking there in the future!”
by No restrictions, Chelt
Tuesday, June 23 2009, 11:15AM
“Actually theyre not parking illegally as per the headline.
Theyre parking legally
If theyre not causing an obstruction either then I suppose somone ought to question why there needs to be restrictions there anyway?”
by sarah, glos
Tuesday, June 23 2009, 10:21AM
“Giles..... What is your problem with lorries? Your getting VERY boring now mate so give it a rest will you???”