Locals 'chomping at the bit' for parking zones

Plans are being considered to create more resident parking zones (RPZ) to combat traffic and parking issues in Bristol.

If Bristol City Council introduced them, the zones in Bishopston, St Andrews, St Werburghs, Ashley Down, Totterdown, Windmill Hill and Bedminster, would become areas where only residents with a permit would be allowed to park.

During a meeting on Thursday, representatives raised concerns around costs and the size of the proposed and current zones while some said people were "chomping at the bit" for parking measures.

Committee chair Ed Plowden said the council would "probably not" be able to put forward a scheme that all councillors wanted, but would look at recommendations.

Green councillor for St George West Rob Bryher, suggested the council should, in the meantime, consider proximity to the city centre and existing schemes.

"[We should also consider] whether you can actually park a vehicle in the area if you're a resident," he said.

"There are some communities that are chomping at the bit to get this kind of parking management implemented and it's been a long time they've waiting.

"[So], I do think it's good to have some clear timelines for when it's coming back to the committee."

Labour councillor for Southmead Kaz Self said her main concern was finding an RPZ fee that would suit people on a low income.

"There are people in Southmead ward who are not going to have the same level of income as someone in Clifton so, there's an issue about how much an RPZ rate would be," she said.

While funding has not been formally allocated the council has proposed to use income generated from the Clean Air Zone scheme to fund any new RPZ plans.

Head of city transport Adam Crowther said the committee will take everything into consideration.

"We will look at how much it would cost and how many resources would be needed to bring a decision paper back to the committee, if possible in September, if not then it might be in October," he said.

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