Plans for a residents’ parking permit scheme in Uphill Lincoln have been delayed further as Lincolnshire County Councillors seek further information.
The authority’s Planning and Regulation Committee on Monday voted to defer plans to offer priority to those who live in the Bailgate area, between Newport and the junction with Westgate, for another look following divisive campaigns by both residents and businesses.
Currently, anyone can park in these areas for an hour between 8am and 6pm Monday to Saturday, but this would potentially remove 37 spaces from that arrangement.
The measures would mean uphill shoppers would have to find another place to park their vehicles.
Those against the plans said the scheme would deter people from visiting the area and pose a threat to the viability of businesses, putting livelihoods at risk and leading to the closure of many of the shops in the area.
They have been backed by organisations such as Visit Lincoln and the Federation of Small Businesses.
However, those in support say the area is mainly residential and that the current parking offer discriminates against those living there. They said there were “numerous car parks in the area”.
A report before councillors said residents were often forced to park some distance from their homes and that the lack of available spaces reduced property values.
| Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Council officers said the scheme had “proved very divisive” and “had a negative impact on the relationship between residents and businesses”.
The council had received 33 responses in support of the scheme and 59 against.
Due to the “very polarised” response, officers put forward three recommendations, including going ahead with the plan, abandoning it all together and carrying out further work to identify alternative proposals.
Local member Councillor Karen Lee (Labour) supported residents, relaying the stories of two healthcare workers and elderly residents.
“PeoplewholiveinmanyofthestreetsneartoBailgatehaveallbeenawardedparkingpermits,soit’sreallynowondertheresidentsI’mrepresentingtodayfeeltheyhavebeentreatedveryunfairlyforwantingthesame,” she said.
She said fears that businesses would fail were “speculative” and had “no independent and robust evidence”.
“Attheendoftheday,whenthevisitorshavereturnedtotheirownhomes andwhenthetillshavebeencashedupandtheshopkeepershavereturnedtotheirownhomes,who’sactuallyleftinthatarea?Andthesimpleanswertothatisthelocalresidents,” she said.
Councillors were told there would potentially be around 100 residents competing for the 37 spaces.
| Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite
Councillor Tom Ashton said he had some “serious concern” with the proposals which he appreciated were “in one of the prime tourist areas”.
Councillor Paula Ashleigh-Morris said it was “massively important we get this absolutely right” and asked for a site visit.
“We’regoingtobeonadamnedifyoudodamnedifyoudon’t, butIwouldappreciatealook,” she said.
She said there had already been a long wait, so a short-while longer would not hurt.
Councillor Ian Carrington said there were “clearly very passionate views” on the plans.
“Ifweonlyfavouronegroupattheexpenseofallthoseothergroups,wedon’thaveamixedsolution, andthenIthinkwearedisadvantagingpeopleandpotentiallydoingsoveryseriously. Whatweneedisacompromise,” he said.
Councillors voted in favour of a recommendation to both find further solutions and to carry out a site visit in order to better understand the situation.
The Lincolnite welcomes your views. All comments are reactively-moderated and must obey the house rules. Please stay on topic and be respectful of other readers.
The final in the latest series of road closures for works on the A1, as part of the Grantham Southern Relief Road project, has been temporarily postponed
A weekend northbound A1 closure was due to be in place between 8pm on Friday, May 20 and 6am on Monday, May 23.
However, Lincolnshire County Council said the closure has been temporarily postponed and once new dates have been confirmed they will be shared.
Works on phase three began in April this year, with the council anticipating that winter 2023 will be the completion date for the relief road.
This will be with the view to reduce congestion and carbon emissions, and provide opportunities for growth in the local economy.
The £102 million Grantham Southern Relief Road project has been led by Lincolnshire County Council, supported by South Kesteven District Council, Highways England, Greater Lincolnshire LEP, Network Rail, Homes England, the Department for Transport and local business contributions.
Safety improvements have been carried out at corner where numerous accidents have occurred in East Keal.
The council is looking into what else can be done to prevent motorists from coming off the road at Hall Corner, while police are looking into the possibility of fitting a speed camera.
A cement lorry recently overturned on the corner in February.
Lincolnshire County Council has found a slight dip in the road where Blacksmith Lane meets the A16 could be the reason why heavy vehicles travelling at excessive speed are tipping over.
It is considering whether to smooth out and realign the road, but says it is concious of the impact that closing the A16 would have on traffic and local businesses.
Several safety improvement measures have already been put in place, including ‘slow’ markings, enhanced bend warning signs and improved chevrons.
Problems have been found with the road surface on the corner. | Photo: Google Street View
Lincolnshire Police are assessing whether a speed camera on the corner would be beneficial, and will be taking speed readings in the coming weeks.
Larger barriers and longer safety fencing have been proposed by the public. However, the county council says that in order for it to be big enough to withstand the impact of overturned vehicles, the cost can’t be justified.
Either the local parish council or the country council could also explore whether to fund a reactive speed sign on the location.
Richard Davies, executive member for highways, said: “We are very thankful to the residents and members of the parish council who have given us their ideas and support in what can be done at Hall Corner. Local knowledge and personal feedback are cornerstones of what we do in terms of delivering the best solutions in the most informed way.
“There has already been much done at this bend to try and mitigate the issues faced and we now have more planned for this particular area that will go on to encourage all road users to drive accordingly in line with the road and conditions.
“I would like to thank everyone involved so far for their input. We will all work together to get the best resolution we can for Hall Corner.”