Residents plead for permit parking but are warned ‘be careful what you wish for’

Plans are in progress to create new residents’ parking zones (Image: Derbyshire Live)

Bristol Live readers are interested to hear that demand for permit parking is surging across the city as more zones are set to appear. Bristol City Council plans to roll out additional permit parking in a bid to stop non-local motorists from clogging streets.

Resident parking zones in Bristol began 10 years ago, but their roll-out stopped under a Labour-led city council. Now, under the Green Party’s guidance, the tide has turned, with appeals from the public to establish fresh zones. Transport bosses will draw up a list of priorities before deciding which areas will see new restrictions later this autumn.

Green Councillor Rob Bryher expressed urgency regarding the matter: “There are communities chomping at the bit to get this parking management implemented. It’s been a long time that they’ve been waiting, in an era when it was flat out refused by the previous administration. So we need to have some urgency.”

Plans for the South Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood propose substantial changes for Bedminster, Totterdown, Windmill Hill and the vicinity of Ashton Gate, including potential parking limits near the stadium—a long-standing request by residents tired of traffic chaos on match days.

At its core, the principle behind resident parking zones means exclusive parking for residents, providing them paid permits to ensure outside commuters and shoppers do not park outside their houses. However the zones often mean neighbourhoods just outside existing zones experience a knock-on effect. Motorists are aware of where the zones end, and opt to park just outside instead, walking or cycling into the centre.

Commenter Doudtingthomas warns: “’Champing at the bit’ for more yellow lines, considerably less spaces with poorly parked cars in them and permit prices that double in a decade. Be careful what you wish for.”

Blackbeard83 agrees: “There are also areas that don’t want them like mine. I like the fact that friends and builders can park on my street without any issues. If they do bring in permits they should be free with a driving licence proving residence and come with a certain amount of free guest permits per year.”

ReesIsToast adds: “The council will come and paint lines all around where you live, heavily reducing the number of parking spaces. Then they charge you to park in what’s left (which isn’t enough). Friends and relatives will no longer visit and delivery drivers struggle. Local businesses close. It doesn’t make life any easier, the problems just change slightly and the council bill you annually for the pleasure.”

Katiem thinks: “With all the new flats being built in Bedminster there still won’t be anywhere to park. Whatever the Greens want, people still want their own transport. Public transport does not fit with peoples lives. No new property should be built without associated parking.”

Init101 believes: “Just because you own a car does not mean you have the right to leave it where you please on public roads. If you want to park on a public road and have it saved personally for you then you must pay.”

Magrathean replies: “People need cars. To get to the jobs that pay their mortgages and feed their families. To live their lives. Public transport is, by far, not suitable for everyone and it is limited. Only a minority will ever choose to and be able to use a bicycle instead. The council is removing parking in the centre and creating more resident parking zone areas and actively working against the needs of the people.”

TalbotHill writes: “The problems we’re now seeing have been exacerbated by the people that were forced to work from home and never returned to the office. Now, in several nearby houses, both occupants have cars, one may get used a couple of times a week, but the other is only used for shopping maybe once a week.”

Darrow points out: “Having a permit does not guarantee you a space. With many properties being HMOs there are several cars to each house. The answer is to improve the public transport system to the level where people won’t need or want a car.”

Tooner2401 states: “I live in Clifton and the streets are always full as the scheme is flawed! Each household can have up to 3 permits and I know people sell them to people from out of town. It’s not based on if your car is registered to your address.”

How do you feel about permit parking? Does it make things easier for locals? Have your say in our comments section.