CONTROVERSIAL parking restrictions along a busy city road look set to be given the green light despite opposition from ‘discontent and angry’ local residents and St John’s city and county councillor.
County highways chiefs revealed parking restrictions along the A44 on Bromyard Road look set to go ahead from 7am to 7pm Monday to Saturdays in a bid to cut congestion on one of the main routes out of Worcester.
Original plans for a seven-day ban have been revised after consultation with local residents but despite the change, Coun Richard Udall said local residents had raised fears about increased traffic speed, safety, displacement, the impact on local services and businesses as well as the lack of any alternative parking places.
Speaking at a Worcestershire County Council meeting on Thursday (May 16), he said: “The proposal has not won a single letter of support from any resident.
“There is growing discontent and anger in the local community. Every time residents have been consulted they have responded with a firm no,” he said.
“The residents of Bromyard Road have no alternative places for parking and there is a concern about increased speed if these parked cars are removed.
“There has been a lot of upset, disquiet and anger from local residents – they do not want this to happen.”
He called for a public meeting in St John’s to allow residents to voice their concerns.
In response, Coun Alan Amos said the correct processes would be followed before any decision was reached but appeared to rule out the possibility of a public meeting.
“I am well aware of the strength of feeling from local residents and will not make a final decision until all of the facts are obtained,” he said.
Coun Amos stressed the proposals had been revised following public consultation and highlighted the authority’s new policy on informing local residents about the introductions of yellow lines.
“The current version minimises impact on residents and is only place at peak times of the day, allowing residents to park at night,” he said.
“The proposals along Bromyard Road are being pursued to reduce the impact of pinch points where turning vehicles hold up traffic or large HGV and buses find it hard to pass, causing congestion.
“Previously the first people knew of the introduction of yellow lines where when they were put down outside their house.
“Residents are now pro-actively consulted on any scheme which affects their property.
“Nobody should not know about these particular proposals,” he added.
