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Residents urged to have say on review into on-street parking in West Bridgford

Residents living in West Bridgford are being encouraged to have their say on a review into on-street parking around the town centre.

A public engagement exercise launched today by Nottinghamshire County Council will help shape future parking strategies in the popular shopping destination.

The review follows an independent study of on-street parking in West Bridgford, commissioned by the county council in the summer, which highlighted several issues.

Key findings from the study included:

• vehicles parking for several hours a day without moving in free unlimited spaces to the north-west of the town centre;
• turnover could improve, increasing the availability of parking if changes were introduced at several locations within a short walk of the centre;
• converting existing free and unlimited spaces within a five-minute walk of the centre to two-hour bays, which could result in creating more than 1,900 extra parking ‘slots’ throughout a 12-hour period;
• parking opportunities could be significantly increased by converting 260 underused residents’ spaces combined with increased turnover from existing limited waiting spaces;
• off-street car parks were often at, or near to, capacity – particularly between 11am-3pm, matching peak shopping times.

The study supports findings from those previously undertaken by Rushcliffe Borough Council and echoes guidance from the Institute of Highways and Transport on town centre parking management.

West Bridgford is a successful, thriving town and it is hoped the consultation exercise will lead to a considerable increase in the number of parking spaces, which would ultimately support town centre vitality as well as reduce congestion caused by motorists looking for somewhere to park.

Significant investment continues to be made by the county council in public transport, cycling and walking to encourage access by sustainable modes, but it also recognises that many people use cars as their chosen method of transport.

Therefore, the county council – which is responsible for on-street enforcement in the town – is keen to hear from residents, visitors, and businesses about the parking issues they face and if they would support the changes to increase the availability of spaces.

Councillor Neil Clarke MBE, the county council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, said: “Before we consider any changes to on-street parking in West Bridgford, we would like as many people as possible to take part in this public engagement exercise.

“What you tell us during this process will allow the county council to consider its options in how we move forward to improve parking in the town centre, which is an extremely popular place to shop and visit.

“It’s not only a key retail centre but, as we all know, also hosts the sporting quarter of Nottinghamshire with Nottingham Forest Football Club, Nottingham Rugby, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, and the National Water Sports Centre at Holme Pierrepont Country Park all on its doorstep, as well as our neighbours at Notts County FC.

“It goes without saying that the volume of vehicles coming into West Bridgford increases significantly when these venues are hosting sporting fixtures or major events, and it is important that we work to reduce the impact this has on the town centre and meet the needs of all users.

“At this stage, we’re seeking views on the current level of parking availability to see if people agree with our assessment of the issues in West Bridgford – and whether they would support suggestions for changes. We would also like to hear of alternative solutions.

“We see opening these discussions as supporting Rushcliffe Borough Council’s parking strategy and to ensure that shopping visits, in particular, will be made as easy as possible.

“So, please help us by completing the questionnaire – it’s very much in your interests to do so.”

Residents can complete the questionnaire online and within West Bridgford Library or at Rushcliffe Borough Council's customer hubs in West Bridgford, Bingham, Cotgrave, and East Leake.

Read all about the review, look at the supporting materials, and complete the survey online at: www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/wbparkingreview
The review closes on Monday 22 January 2024