Stroud and District Chamber of Trade and Commerce up in arms over parking regulation changes proposed for when private contractors Apcoa enforce Gloucestershire County Council parking laws

TRADERS fear a shower of tickets may descend on them after private contractors take over parking enforcement in Stroud.

Shopkeepers and business owners from the Stroud and District Chamber of Trade and Commerce are upset about new town centre traffic restrictions proposed by the Gloucestershire County Council highways' authority.

They are protesting that stricter enforcement of existing restrictions in the pedestrianised High Street, and their replacement proposed from April, are both unworkable.

At present, no vehicles, apart from HGVs, are allowed to unload in High Street and there is no waiting at any time.

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The replacement traffic order has suggested smaller vehicle like cars and vans could load and unload but not between 11am and 4pm.

Bookshop owner Ron Cree said: "It is very complicated. Traders going about their normal business will get parking tickets.

"Lots of them use cars and vans, or couriers, not HGVs. Technically, when they stop to unload they've parked and could get a ticket."

There were serious concerns about changes suggested to different traffic regulations in Cornhill, said landlord Andrew Watton.

"The overall unification of traffic orders has not, seemingly, been well received," he said.

The current traffic orders were "quite onerous", Mr Watton said. But he believed the unified alternative put forward was not sympathetic either.

The issue was "hideously complicated," said the area's county councillor Sarah Lunnon (Green, Stroud East).

Both the Stroud district and Stroud town councils had been happy with the new proposals.

But, over the years, the "the situation has grown up where restrictions aren't enforced and that is what everyone thinks is the status quo," Coun Lunnon said.

The reason behind the alterations is to make Stroud town centre a safer and more pleasant place for pedestrians.

Coun Lunnon said: "It is difficult. I am trying to find a solution which works for the traders and pedestrians in Stroud."

She has agreed with county officials that the changes should be put on hold to allow more time for debate.

From April, the county is employing private contractors Apcoa to police parking across Gloucestershire.

Coun Lunnon said: "I don't think a lot is going to change. There might be slightly more enforcement than people have been used to. But it is not going to be a big sledgehammer."

Police remain responsible for moving traffic offences.