Petition urges action over ‘danger’ car park (From Salisbury Journal)

Petition urges action over ‘danger’ car park

7:00pm Monday 1st October 2012 in News By Karen Bate

HUNDREDS of furious residents and shoppers have signed a petition calling for a change to a car park layout amid claims that the current system is “dangerous”.

The petition was launched by resident Russell Webb and town councillor Jacqueline Terry after New Forest District Council said it had “no intention of reversing the layout” of the town centre car park.

The matter was set to be discussed at a Ringwood Town Council meeting last night.

Scores of residents have complained about queues and confusion after changes were made to the exit and entrance of the car park following the opening of the Gateway.

Drivers say because the exit comes before the entrance, drivers waiting to enter have to wait for vehicles to leave.

Cllr Terry said: “Having been approached by even more people with safety concerns with the layout of the car park Mr Webb and I started a petition to gauge the strength of feeling on these issues.

“Several shop owners have been kind enough to display the petitions. Although there are various problems relating to the layout of the car park, the critical concern is the exit and entrance.

“There is also no access for pedestrians or wheelchair users, and no dropped kerbs, the corner by the toilets is dangerous, and people are getting confused because the former white markings have not been completely erased. The petitions are still circulating.”

Mayor Stephen Rippon-Swayne said: “When we have something new it takes time to settle down.”

A New Forest District Council spokesman said: “We hope drivers are finding the car park more user-friendly since further works to improve the signage and introduce more white lines has been undertaken.

“There is no intention to reverse the layout of the car park but we will now monitor its performance for a reasonable period before deciding if any amendments are necessary.”