Clubbers beware as parking clampdown begins in Gloucester
A clampdown on illegal parking will start tonight in Gloucester city centre.
The move is aimed at helping taxi drivers pick up revellers leaving clubs in Eastgate Street.
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Illegal parking is causing congestion in the street and making it almost impossible for taxis to get to their rank.
Councillor Andrew Gravells, deputy leader of the council responsible for housing and health, commented: " It is important that we get people home quickly and safely after their night out.
"Taxis are a key component of the process and if they can't get to their customers then there is the potential for a real problem.
"There is no reason for people to park illegally. We have three car parks nearby at Hamden Way, Station Road and St Michael's Square and they are all free after 4pm.
"Congestion in Eastgate Street is particularly bad on some evenings and with the assistance of the police we will be conducting joint operations and issuing tickets."
The clampdown is a joint initiative between the council and Gloucestershire police.
Chief Inspector Rich Burge said: "At the moment we are finding that Eastgate Street is full of parked vehicles the entire length of the road on both sides on Friday and Saturday nights.
"This is not acceptable because it means the street is becoming congested and at times dangerous. I would make a direct appeal to those driving into the city to use the free parking that is available and not to be tempted to take spaces they shouldn't."
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by Mim, Quedgeley
Monday, September 06 2010, 4:49PM
“I don't see why this has happened! I go out and quite often drive. If I leave earlier than my friends then I can go back to my car safely if it's parked at Eastgate! If I have to park at the places mentioned in the above article then this will be no where near as safe and I would somewhat fear for my safety! There aren't any designated taxi ranks on Eastgate Street! So, may I suggest that we keep it as it is! If it's not broke, don't fix it!”
by night owl, Gloucester
Sunday, September 05 2010, 9:25AM
“Kerching.......... more dosh for the council's coffers.........”
by captain catt, seamen's mission
Saturday, September 04 2010, 11:01AM
“I'd rather see drunks banged up overnight in the cells to sober up than have the streets made safe for them. On the plus side, however, this will provide an ideal opportunity for the police to arrest more drug dealers and drink drivers.”
by A Mate of Paul, Glos docks
Saturday, September 04 2010, 1:46AM
“An excellent and rare opportunity to acquire a substantial 1930's 2 bedroom flat along Eastgate Street with wonderful views overlooking the evening hoi polloi and the heavy fragrance of vomit. Ask for Paul the rugger estate agent and get a good deal on this once in a lifetime buy.”
by Petra Jordan, Badminton
Saturday, September 04 2010, 1:23AM
“The last time I drove along Eastgate on a Friday night it looked more like war torn Beirut and was being ravaged by a drunken warfare between Israeli forces and Shiite Lebanese and Hezbollah forces. I stepped on the gas before Bin Ladens militia took me hostage. Mindful of where I was travelling I would have been grateful to see a policeman or even a traffic warden”