Mixed reactions have been received about new parking restrictions in Ventnor, a consultation has found.
Ten schemes across the town have been proposed by the Isle of Wight council to help the movement of traffic and increase road safety.
More double yellow lines
The proposals would create passing points, free-up footways and increase visibility.
To do so, however, double yellow lines could be introduced and some existing parking restrictions made enforceable to remove ‘inappropriate parking’.
865 comments
A total of 865 comments were received over the ten schemes — ranging from very supportive to strongly objecting.
Four of the schemes — on the Eastern Esplanade, Victoria Street, Leeson Road and Shore Road — received more comments in favour.
Residents said it would make some of the areas safer, for example reducing the risk for children crossing the road to reach the seafront paddling pool.
Others said the schemes would make it easier for buses to pass.
Strong objections
Five others — Albert Street, St Catherine Street, Esplanade Road, Park Avenue and the Esplanade — were strongly objected to.
Among the objections were remarks about the difficulty to park in the town already.
Others said they were unnecessary restrictions as they have never noticed any road safety problems.
Even objections
The proposals for Steephill Road received roughly the same amount of supportive comments and objections.
The authority says it has tried to keep the extent of the restrictions to a minimum to save as many parking spaces as possible.
However, it also says it has a duty to ensure road users’ safety and the movement of traffic so some spaces needed to be removed.
Cabinet to decide
The council’s cabinet will decide next Thursday (9th February) whether to go ahead with all of the schemes, only some, or none of them.
If all the schemes were to be introduced, it would cost the authority £12,815 plus VAT to make the orders and implement the changes.
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
