Falmer Parking Review 2018-19 - informal consultation

Overview

We receive many requests for new or changes to existing parking and waiting restrictions. Last year we received a petition asking for changes to the parking controls in Falmer.  

The petition asked for changes to the current parking scheme to harmonise it across the village and also to fall in line with the Lewes district parking scheme. The changes requested were for an all year round scheme, for the times of operation to be extended to 9am to 5pm, and to change all the shared bays so they all have a maximum waiting time of two hours.

Having considered the petition in our latest parking review we do believe some changes are needed and these proposals are shown in the plans below. No final decisions have been made so please take the time to look at the proposals carefully and tell us your views.

The consultation period runs from 8 March to 29 March 2019. All comments need to be received by 29 March.

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Why your views matter

Any resident permit parking scheme needs to be self-financing. This means that as well as funding the implementation of or changes to the scheme, the cost of permits would have to cover the administration, enforcement and ongoing maintenance of the lines and signs. We must also balance the conflicting needs of different groups to make the most efficient use of the available kerb space for parking along the public highway.

Consideration is also given to whether properties have off-road parking, the difficulties experienced by residents parking near to their homes, and the likely number or permits which would be bought by residents in the area.

There are approximately 64 permit holder only parking spaces throughout Falmer, with only 15 current live permits. This clearly shows the permit bays are being under-utilised and kerb space is not being used efficiently. There are also around 100 shared parking spaces where permits can be used and non-permit holders can park for up to two or four hours.

As the majority of properties in Falmer have access to off-road parking, and historically the number of resident permits held by Falmer residents has been low we are proposing to reduce the number of permit holder bays. This will still mean around 38 permit holder only bays will be available, and permit holders will also continue to be able to park in the shared bays.

The petition asks for the scheme to fall in line with the Lewes district scheme. The Lewes district scheme runs from 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday, all year round. If, as requested, the Falmer scheme is changed to reflect this, then there will be increased enforcement costs. To cover these costs and to provide effective enforcement it is also proposed to introduce pay and display parking in the shared parking bays, rather than free parking. The price of permits may also need to be increased to reflect this increased enforcement cost.

We want to hear your views on the proposals. Your feedback will help us decide whether the proposals need to be modified before formal changes are advertised.

We will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Please contact us by email to parking.escc@eastsussex.gov.uk or telephone 01323 466244.

Thank you for taking the time to look at these proposals.

What happens next

After the closing date of 29 March 2019 we will process all responses.

If there are a number of suggested alternatives, these will be considered and included in the final proposals.

If the proposals go forward then the draft Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) will be written and advertised allowing 21 days for formal consultation. If there are no objections the restrictions will be introduced and the draft TRO made permanent. If objections are received, we will need to consider these and present a report to Planning Committee.