Free 'pitstop parking' could help ease congestion

10 hours ago

Carmelo GarciaLocal Democracy Reporting Service

News image — The 20‑minute 'pit stop' parking session could help to ease parking congestion on the busy street nearby, councillors have said

Submitted A row of around seven cars parked badly on double yellow lines, overlapping onto the pavement at Southgate Street, Gloucester. Their number plates have been blurred out. — The 20‑minute 'pit stop' parking session could help to ease parking congestion on the busy street nearby, councillors have said

There are hopes a free 20 minute pit stop in council car parks could help to ease what councillors described as "lethal" parking congestion on the street.

Concerns have been raised over the number of cars parked outside vape shops and takeaways in Southgate Street, which is along a cycle route in Gloucester.

Gloucester City Council is conducting a review of its parking regime, including introducing overnight charges and raising on-street parking charges.

The authority said it would also consider introducing a grace period near Spalite Hotel to help ease congestion, allowing people to quickly "park and pop in" to town.

Local food a clear favourite at Cheltenham Festival

B-52s arrive at UK air base amid conflict with Iran

Striking staff at textiles firm secure 6% pay rise

Parking on Southgate Street is primarily managed through pay and display, limited-waiting bays, and dedicated car parks like Southgate Moorings.

But councillor Liam Harries told the overview and scrutiny committee on 2 March he had noticed cars creeping onto the pavements.

"There are quite a lot of people who park on the road by the takeaways and vape shops," he said. "It is often a bit difficult driving up and down there."

Google A screenshot from Google street view showing the car park at Soutgate Moorings. It is a large space full of cars, surrounded by blue metal fencing and tall residential flat buildings by the water. — Parking at Southgate Moorings costs around £2.60 for a minimum of one to two hours

Chairman of the committee Andrew Gravells said the cars were "there all night", and described the risk as "lethal".

"It is dangerous," agreed councillor Karen James. "People parking and delivering to those shops just block the whole of the cycle lane."

Submitted The cycle Lane in Southgate Street, Gloucester. It is a two-lane green path beside the main road, blocked with orange plastic barriers and road signs saying 'no vehicles permitted'. — The cycle lane is often blocked by cars while their drivers visit shops and takeaways

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Harries asked if something could be included in the car parks at Southgate Moorings to allow a longer grace period.

"A quick pit stop, a free period that would allow people to park and pop in very quickly into town," he said.

"Either for deliveries to shops or customers, say if you want to go into town because you want to just pick something up or need to go to the bank for, say 10 minutes."

Deputy leader Declan Wilson confirmed the council would look at introducing a 20 minute grace period into the enforcement contract.

Follow BBC Gloucestershire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.