The coalition intend to hit all motorists parking on verges and footways throughout Reading. This blanket ban is intended to act as a fundraiser for the council which does not take into consideration some streets that need verge and some pavement parking to able other vehicles to pass. We also know that there are some residents who blatantly disregard the interests of pedestrians, including people wheeling child buggies by parking dangerously on pavements. I know that in my own ward in Southcote many residents are frustrated by motorists parking on grass verges whilst many streets are only passable with vehicles parking on verges and driveways. Not easy to determine who is parking safely or obstructively without conducting some sort of exercise to talk to residents.
I would have thought in the spirit of transparency and fairness a widespread consultation process takes place to ascertain which roads could be exempted and which roads would benefit from a ban on footway and verge parking. Instead Willis and co have decided to hit residents with a blanket ban designed to raise money to fund cuts. Treating the motorist as a cash cow without any meaningful consultation.
In the absence of genuine consultation Southcote councillors and helpers have delivered the latest version of Southcote Scene, asking residents what they think about this policy and what roads should be exempted and whether they believe the ban would not work or owuld be effective.
We look forward to your view.
John - you must know that most of what you have said is simply untrue! You, like every other Councillor, will have received an email inviting you to suggest roads which have limited or no off-street parking and where we have to look at allowing some designated parking areas, which may be partly on pavements if the street is narrow. Have you submitted your list on behalf of your local residents? It is therefore not a "Blanket ban" and we are taking into account those terraced streets where parking is difficult!
ReplyDeleteAre you also unaware that your Labour colleagues on the Traffic Management Panel supported this proposal on 9 September?
It is also an interesting concept that we are "raising money to fund cuts". What does that mean?
I do hope that your Southcote Scene has told the truth about the consultation and not misled residents into thinking that it is a blanket ban. I am not too optimistic :-)