Parking petition launched

Wiltshire Council is conducting a review of parking in zone A, where all motorists can currently park for two hours free of charge. Some residents say they are unable to park outside their homes and want to make the whole zone – which includes roads in the Wyndham Park area at the edge of the city centre – residents only parking at all times.

However, business owners say their customers would lose the convenience of being able park near shops, surgeries and other facilities.

“We successfully fought this idea five years ago and we’ll fight it again,” said dentist Victoria Reese, who has run a practice in Marlborough Road for the last 10 years.

“It would be a nightmare for businesses if customers couldn’t park outside and I know they are very worried about the impact on trade.

“It would also be very difficult for those who visit the elderly if they can’t park in the area and just pop in. Using scratch cards would be expensive, limited, and, for a practice like mine, unworkable.”

Dr Reese has written to more than 50 businesses in the area alerting them to a consultation about to be launched by the council and asking them to display a petition and poster opposing any changes.

Wiltshire Council says it will be writing to all residents and businesses to gauge opinions before any decisions are made.

Ward councillor Paul Sample said: “I am completely neutral on the situation but am aware of the need to balance the wishes of businesses with the frustrations of people who cannot park in their own road because the current system is being abused by commuters and shoppers. “There are many options; it could be that we introduce business only spaces that actually benefit companies in the area.

“The consultation hasn’t even started yet but it’s important that everyone gives us their views once it’s underway.

“There is a long complicated process to go through and the earliest any changes would come into effect would be next spring.”