Up to 30-minutes’ free parking is to be offered in an area of Newport High Street under plans announced yesterday (Wednesday) by the Isle of Wight Council.
Temporary barriers installed at the lower end of the high street are to be removed to free up around 35 parking bays which will be free to use for the first 30 minutes for the duration of the current lockdown period.
Don’t forget to collect a ticket
Drivers will still need to collect a ticket from the parking meter in order to confirm the half-hour stay.
The pavement-widening barriers were introduced in June to aid social distancing as shoppers returned to the high street following the first coronavirus lockdown.
However, with people once again encouraged to stay at home under new national restrictions to come into force tomorrow, the council plans to remove them by the end of next week and introduce the free parking offer.
Ward: Enabling quick and easy access to the high street
Welcoming the move, Councillor Ian Ward, Cabinet member for transport and infrastructure, said the council was committed to doing as much as it could to #keeptheislandsafe through the challenging weeks ahead.
He said:
“The plans announced today will not only support our business community in Newport, but also our residents by enabling quick and easy access to the high street for essential shopping trips for food and medication, as well as take-away services.
“These measures will ensure people can access services that are vital to us all in the current circumstances.”
Meanwhile, a loading bay in St James’ Square, Newport, is also to be removed to create additional safe space for pedestrians as requested by Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council.
News shared from Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
