25/03/2013 - Permalink

Have your say on new residents parking scheme for Shrewsbury town centre

Related topics: Community

Shropshire Council is inviting people who live in Shrewsbury town centre to have their say about a proposed new residents parking scheme. 

This new scheme will replace the previous temporary arrangement, in place for those residents who held a permit from the previous council. 

Proposals include: 

  • Allowing residents to park on Abbey Forgate, St Julian’s Friars or Frankwell Main car parks for a discounted rate (50 per cent of the daily ticket price for 12 months and 40 per cent for six months)
  • Two permits per household, allowing one vehicle on each.

The creation of this scheme follows concerns from many residents about the difficulties of parking near their homes, particularly inside the river loop. 

Ron Buzzacott, Shropshire Council’s highways and transport manager, said:

“This scheme has been designed in response to people’s concerns. 

“The proposed fees have been carefully thought about, ensuring residents get a good deal whilst balancing this with visitor demand for the car parks.  However, we are keen to hear from residents to ensure it meets the needs of the local community.” 

A letter will shortly be sent to households within the river loop – residents are encouraged to return the attached slip via the boxes at Shrewsbury Library, or the reception areas in either Shirehall or The Guildhall.  Alternatively, people can post their response to Shrewsbury Residents Parking Scheme, Transport Planning, Shropshire Council, Shirehall, Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury, SY2 6ND. 

All comments need to be received by the end of Friday 12 April 2013 for consideration. 

A plan showing the area of the scheme, along with a full copy of the rules relating to Resident Parking Schemes, can be found on shropshire.gov.uk/traffic.  Those who do not have Internet access can collect copies of the information at the council’s Customer Service Centre hub in The Guildhall. 

If the proposals are supported, then the necessary changes will be made to the Traffic Regulation Order and, 28 days from that order being advertised, the scheme will come into force.  If, however, the proposals are not supported by a clear majority of respondents, then any alternative will need to be placed before the next planning committee for approval. 

Further information 

Off-street locations available 

It is proposed that future concessionary permits will only be available for specific off-street locations, and that the maximum concessions available in each car park will be: 

  • Frankwell Main – 110 residents permits
  • St.Julian’s Friars – 40 residents permits
  • Abbey Foregate – 80 residents permits. 

Proposed cost of the permit 

For a 12-month permit, the charges proposed are for Frankwell Main and St Julian’s Friars £400 per annum, and for Abbey Foregate car park £270 per annum. 

For a 6-month permit, the charges proposed are for Frankwell Main and St Julian’s Friars £240 per annum, and for Abbey Foregate car park £162 per annum.