2004 press releases

Lewes MP Calls For Adjustments To Parking Scheme

Lewes MP Norman Baker is calling for changes to the proposed parking scheme for Lewes to be incorporated into the final version of the plan. The matter is due to be discussed by relevant councillors on August 11th. His call follows a meeting with top officials from both the County and District councils.

Norman Baker says:

"I fully support the concept of a residents' parking scheme, which has the potential to reduce traffic levels and create a more pleasant environment, particularly in the historic core. Such a scheme should also make it easier for those living in the town centre to find a parking space.

"Clearly however, it is important that the final scheme does not cause serious problems for the town's businesses, or have unwanted side-effects for others.

"I have received a great many letters and calls from both individuals and businesses and was able to raise these in detail with the council officers.

"I was able to clarify a number of points about which local people had expressed concern:

• The scheme will only operate only between 8am and 6pm Monday to Saturday. A number of local residents had been concerned about finding parking spaces in the evening. 
• Residents will be able to buy books of day vouchers, which should help with visitors, including tradesmen. That too had been a concern.
•  Most of the parking bays in Morris Road will indeed be for residents only, as had been asked for
• Loading or unloading will be exempt from charges, for a period of 20 minutes

"There are however some issues that still concern me:

• The position of shop workers who have to come into Lewes by car. Now that the Malling Brooks car park is not going ahead, it is vital that there is some alternative provision for such people. I believe that perhaps half the Phoenix car park should be made available for cheaper long-stay parking.
• The proposed charge of £1000 for a business permit is in my view far too high and should be reduced to £500 at most.
• I think it is unnecessary for the restrictions to apply after 1pm on Saturdays, or after 5.30pm Mondays to Fridays, and would like to see the scheme amended accordingly.
• There are proposals for extending yellow linings, which I think are unhelpful. For example, the proposed new bus stop and consequent loss of spaces in Lansdown Place is unnecessary, given that it will serve relatively few buses and there is an existing bus stop nearby. I also think there are areas where some yellow lines could be removed, for example at the High Street end of Albion Street, where the lining begins way back from the junction.
• It is very important that there is an early review of the scheme after it has come into force, probably six weeks or so after, to identify problems that have arisen. For example, is the boundary of the scheme in the correct place as far as the Wallands area is concerned?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

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