I attended a Transport Partnership meeting recently and asked that bus lanes be opened for use by cars after the 7pm peak period. This will be discussed at forthcoming meetings. A new group has joined us, the motorcycle group called MAG. They have asked to be able to use bus lanes at all times, along with cyclists. I disagree with use during peak periods: either we all get to use the lanes or no one other than the buses and taxis.

Another conflict of use of the highway has arisen. I have received calls from motorists who are denied the use of some resident parking spaces because they are full of trailers, bags of sand, building blocks etc. The conflict is between the Council parking rules and the Road Traffic Act. Although the parking team and the highways department thought that this use of bays was illegal there is no enforceable rule to prevent it. The only way to remove such items would be by enforcing the Road Traffic act via the Police. It might well be that the Council will need to change the regulations. Unfortunately this is a national problem and will probably need an Act of Parliament to change things.

From the Council’s interpretation of the rules, it appears that a parking bay is only controlled for the use of a motorised vehicle. If this is correct then you could put a garden shed in a parking bay without breaking any rules as long as it is not placed in a dangerous location with regard to health and safety. It is interesting that motorcycle bays are only for solo bikes. I have stated that as far as I am aware a pay and display bay does not say that it is only for car use which means items can be left on there. The Council disagrees and this is to be discussed.

If you have any queries please telephone me on 07768 002328 from 11am to 6pm. Or email me at: theppp@gmx.com. Have a great Christmas and remember only Christmas Day is likely to be free parking.

Steve Percy, (chairman) People’s Parking Protest