Parking restrictions around a busy East Cowes estate have been branded ‘completely over the top’ by local councillors.
The Isle of Wight Council wants to introduce double yellow lines across 53 areas of the Hawthorn Meadows estate and along Saunders Way.
Highway safety issues
It says the traffic regulation order is being proposed to deal with highway safety issues caused by parking that compromises safety of pedestrians.
It was also hindering the ability of emergency service vehicles to pass through the estate.
Planned restrictions were ‘completely over the top’
The matter was discussed at East Cowes Town Council Thursday night, ahead of the final submission for public comments and following concerns from residents.
Town councillors recognised there had been some ‘silly’ parking on corners and junctions which needed to be dealt with, but the planned restrictions were ‘completely over the top’.
Reardon: Extreme, but support safety measures
Mayor of East Cowes, Cllr Tracy Reardon, said they seemed very extreme, but did support increased safety measures.
Cllr Karl Love said one solution would be to impose a blanket 20mph restriction on residential roads to stop dangerous speeding.
There were concerns that opposing all the restrictions would see them disappear and not be brought back for a number of years.
Where ECTC agree with double yellows
Cllr Stephen Hendry used a map (see below) to highlight certain junctions and corners within the estate where ECTC agreed with the double yellow lines.
A main concern raised by councillors was where all the cars were going to go if they were not able to park where they used to.
No plans to deal with displaced cars
The IW Council recognised increasing the restrictions may result in the displacement of vehicles, but believed them necessary on the grounds of highway safety.
A spokesperson confirmed the authority had no plans to deal with cars displaced by the restrictions.
Around the estate, parking spaces are provided for homes but with many households having more cars than private spaces, on-street parking is usually the only alternative.
Changes are being proposed to:
- Albert Way
- Brinton Close
- Chinchen Close
- Cromwell Avenue
- Gustar Grove
- Haven Close
- Lambert Lane
- Naval Terrace
- Saunders Way
- St Wilfred Drive
The public consultation has now ended.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
