Fresh guidance on parking in Hertsmere has been issued which includes changes to the way parking zones in residential areas are introduced.
Our revised parking management strategy explains how the council uses parking measures, like controlled parking zones, disabled parking bays, and on and off-street parking, to help it manage the different needs of residents, commuters, long-stay visitors and shoppers.
It is the first time the strategy has been updated since 2006. The latest version sets out new advice on the introduction of controlled parking zones (CPZs) in residential zones.
At least 20% of properties in any given road now have to write to the council asking for a zone, before it will be considered against a number of new criteria.
Previously, there was no set number of requests needed, but those making the request would have to wait up to a year to hear if a scheme would be considered.
All proposed schemes will then go to consultation and, as before, at least 60% of local households and businesses must back the zone before it can go ahead.
Councillor Jean Heywood, portfolio holder for environment and transport, said: “Hertsmere is a busy, thriving borough which means there are increasingly more people moving in and around the area.
“The way parking is regulated and monitored is vital to ensuring that Hertsmere keeps moving, and that the borough is a safe and pleasant place to live and work.
“We hope our parking management strategy will help us to work more closely with residents and businesses to respond to their different parking needs.
“For example, introducing a parking zone has a major impact on residents and local businesses. The new guidance will help us to identify at an early stage potential schemes which already have a large amount of support.”
Among the other key proposals in the strategy are:
• To look into adopting more traffic management powers so the council can prosecute inconsiderate drivers who block dropped kerbs.
• To consider making commuter permits available for part-time workers.
• To increase the range of business permits available for use in council-owned car parks.
• To consider expanding the number of car parks where school permits can be obtained. These permits give holders 30 minutes parking at car parks near school premises during the school drop-off and pick-up periods.
• To look into sending penalty charge notices by post to drivers that have driven away before one could be issued in person.
• A commitment to undertake a review of disabled parking bays.
• A commitment to undertake reviews of existing parking restrictions for Borehamwood and Elstree, Potters Bar, Bushey and Radlett over the next four years.
A review of Borehamwood and Elstree's parking facilities is currently underway. If you have any non-urgent suggestions that could help make parking safer or easier in the towns email them to parking.policy@hertsmere.gov.uk before 30 August 2013.
All suggestions will then be assessed and if approved, will be included in a traffic order.
Posted on Monday 25th February 2013