RESIDENTS’ PARKING SCHEME CONSULTATION

PROMOTED BY BERKHAMSTED TOWN COUNCIL

Introduction

Parking in some streets in Berkhamsted, often by commuters or visitors to the town, is a problem which inconveniences many residents particularly those living within walking distance of the station.  In a move to resolve this problem, our recent survey sought the views of residents on the principle of Residents’ Parking Schemes.  Following the receipt of a positive response from many areas of the town we have investigated schemes which might best fit the needs of residents and have identified one which would appear to satisfy the results of our survey and which would be acceptable to Dacorum Borough Council, the parking enforcement authority for Berkhamsted.  The aim of this consultation document is to outline the scheme to residents of roads where it could be introduced and obtain views on its acceptability.

The Proposed Scheme
The scheme would involve creating a number of zones with a time period of two hours between Monday and Friday when parking would be restricted to permit holders only.  This would discourage non-residents of that zone from parking their vehicles all day in those streets, although they would be allowed to park before and after the two hour restricted period.  Residents of that zone will be entitled to purchase Permits to park over the restricted period and visitors’ vouchers will also be available.  The suggested annual cost of a first vehicle Residents’ Permit is £25.00 and for a second vehicle £40.00.  Pricing levels will not be structured to make a profit.

The scheme would require that parking bays are introduced.  For some of our streets the bays would be painted partly on the pavement, thus ensuring safe passage of vehicles, including emergency vehicles, through the street, as well as sufficient access to the pavement for pedestrians, prams and the disabled.  Residents would continue to be able to park across their own drive access.

The currently proposed scheme would not require parking meters but there would be a need for additional signs in the streets, some of which must be placed at specific locations for the restrictions to be enforceable.

The photographs below illustrate signage and streets with bays partly on pavements.

It is important to note that this scheme does not guarantee parking directly outside your property.During the operational hours the proposed scheme would allow only permit holders to park in roads within their individual zone.  

Please take some time to complete the survey - click here.  Detailed responses from all residents will enable us to judge if there is an appetite for restricted parking.  More importantly the information will help to ensure that the proposed scheme is workable.  
Please return by post to: Town Clerk, The Civic Centre, Berkhamsted, HP4 3HD or email alan.kemp@dacorum.gov.uk by 31st August 2010