In early December, Cotswold District
Council’s Cirencester Parking Project concluded that a park and ride transport
scheme for the town would generate increased traffic and pollution. As a
result, they will not be pursuing this as a sustainable parking option.
Chairman Cllr Mark Harris explains,
“Several people have suggested that
Cirencester might benefit from a park and ride facility but specialists in this
field have advised that in rural areas of Britain there are serious downsides
to these schemes. In particular, the emissions produced outweigh the
emissions prevented because many motorists have to go out of their way to use
park and ride sites. Furthermore there are significant
environmental issues in creating a carpark on what is likely to be a greenfield
site.
“What this all means is that a small
reduction in urban traffic is offset by the generation of extra traffic beyond
town boundaries – and a marked overall increase in emissions.”
Cllr Mark MacKenzie-Charrington, the
CDC Cabinet Member overseeing parking in Cirencester, adds,
“We know that people continue to be
concerned about the parking problem in Cirencester and we plan to meet the
extra demand by erecting a multi-storey car park at the Waterloo site as soon
as possible. Latest estimates show that, subject to planning permission,
work could start on site in early 2020 and could be completed within about one
year. This is a more sustainable solution compared with park and ride, and I
can assure residents near the Waterloo that we are committed to addressing
concerns about issues such as environmental risks, traffic management and
design impact.
“In the meantime, we are pleased that
so many motorists are using the ‘free after 3 pm’ offer in the Brewery and
Forum car parks to help spread demand. We are also encouraging people to
take up the free parking offer for weekends and public holidays at the staff
car parks for Cotswold District Council (GL71PX) and St James’s Place (GL7 1
PX), especially during the busy Christmas period.”
“We continue to welcome feedback on our
plans. For updates on progress, please see www.cotswold.gov.uk/parkingproject(opens in a new
window) If you have any queries about the
project please email parking@cotswold.gov.uk, call us on 01285 623000 or write to Parking Team, Cotswold
District Council, Trinity Road, Cirencester, GL7 1PX.”
In order to make the most of a new development it would be in the interests of the Council and the Town if some sort of agreement could be reached with those who park all day for office/work reasons such that visitor desirable parking such as Abbey Park and others could be left free for those arriving to visit the town. Possibly restricting parking length at the Park or by offering a season discount for 'upstairs at Waterloo'.
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