Eastbourne (Bedford Grove) parking consultation

Overview

We have received a number of requests to introduce a permit parking scheme in Bedford Grove because of parking difficulties caused by local workers, businesses, tourists,and other visitors leaving their vehicles parked all day.

We try to manage the needs of all users and are formally consulting on proposals to introduce permit holder only parking bays to this area. We want to seek your views on parking in this road and whether you support the introduction of a permit parking scheme.

The proposed scheme will mean only permit holders can park in Bedford Grove between the hours of 11am and 1pm, Monday to Friday. Although any member of public can park outside these times, the proposal will prevent all day parking by non-permit holders.

Please note that due to the limited kerb space available in Bedford Grove, the number of permits issued will be restricted to a total of 69. There is room for around 46 car parking spaces in Bedford Grove. We use a ratio of 1.5 permits per parking space giving the total number of 69 permits.

Due to the restricted number of permits available, allocation will be limited to one permit per property during the first month of the scheme going live. This will help ensure each property interested in purchasing a permit has a fair chance to do so. After the first month, any property requiring a second permit may apply subject to the maximum number not being exceeded. A waiting list will be implemented if the maximum number is reached.

All responses to this consultation will be reported to Planning Committee before a decision is made to install this scheme or to abandon the proposals. We expect this committee meeting to be in either August or September.

We believe that parking schemes are beneficial to residents and businesses but there are some points you should be aware of:

• There will be no free all-day parking for non permit holders - during the operating hours parking will be limited to permit holders
• Penalty charge notices will be issued to vehicles parked without a valid permit.
• Money raised will pay for administration, enforcement and maintenance costs of the scheme, any surplus has to be spent on improving transport facilities in the area.
• Preventing dangerous, obstructive and inconsiderate parking often improves traffic flow around the area.
• There will be better access for emergency vehicles and public transport.
• There will be improved safety for all road users and reduced congestion from circulating traffic.
• The total amount of space available for parking will be reduced as the yellow lines near Carew Road are to be extended.  
• Permit restrictions will only apply during the hours of control.The number of permits issued will be limited and depending on demand a waiting list may be operated.
• Having a permit will not guarantee a parking space.
• Only properties in Bedford Grove will be eligible for a permit

Why your views matter

The proposals follow requests from local residents who want new controls to be introduced in Bedford Grove. We want to hear your views on the consultation.

We would like to know if you think the introduction of such a scheme would be beneficial to your area and your comments will help us reach a decision about whether to proceed with the proposal.

Thank you for taking the time to respond to this consultation.

What happens next

After the closing date of 1 July 2016 we will process all responses.

Depending on the level of support for the proposals we will decide one of the following ways forward.

1. If there are objections to the scheme which cannot be resolved, we will report these objections to Planning Committee for a decision to be made.
2. If there are no objections, the works order will be drafted and the scheme will be installed.