Plans for more parking regulations throughout Wokingham Borough appear to be at an advanced stage.
In September last year, we revealed how plans for further restrictions had appeared on a council website, only to be removed shortly after.
The plans on the council’s engage website said: “To help relieve some of the existing pressure for on-street parking and provide a fair approach to managing on-street parking restrictions, we’ve come up with the following proposals that we think will make on-street parking fairer for all residents, as well as improve air quality for some areas.”
At the time, a council spokesperson said: “The webpage mock-up seen by Wokingham Today was part of early work being done to consider a potential review of on-street car parking policy in the future.
“There are no detailed plans for any changes to on-street parking at present and, if there are changes in the future, these will be fully consulted on.”
That apparent leak came at a time when residents and retailers were becoming increasingly frustrated with the council’s policy to derive additional income from parking.
Last week’s agenda at the ruling executive committee appeared to indicate that almost identical plans to those revealed less than six months ago are now at an advanced stage.
An item titled ‘Residents Parking Zones – including Parking Permits’ referred to the introduction of controls for on-street spaces to deal with the specific high demand locations close to stations, retail centres and existing resident parking areas.
There was also a mention of implementing peak car parking charges for parking at peak hours at the borough’s countryside parks, in line with similar provision elsewhere.
Cllr Pauline Jorgensen, leader of the Conservative Group at Wokingham Borough Council, said: “When plans for on street parking restrictions were accidentally unveiled (by Wokingham Today) in September, we were told by the Liberal Democrat-led Council that there are no detailed plans for any changes to on street parking at present.”
“Now we find the truth.
“It is ironic that when they were accidently unveiled, it was on the consultation part of the website.
“The Liberal Democrats repeatedly ignore residents by not listening to consultations and dismissing petitions.
“We are concerned these proposals will have a negative impact on residents and businesses.
“These plans have now been set out in the Liberal Democrats’ budget before residents have been considered.
“A full and meaningful consultation with residents and businesses should have taken place as part of the decision-making process.
“This is just another example of the Liberal Democrats not being straight with residents and deciding before consulting.”
Cllr Andy Croy, leader of the Labour group at Wokingham Borough Council, said: “I am very aware there is high demand for residents parking in parts of Wokingham Borough, but I want to see the planned scheme in detail, such at what roads will be affected, when and how, before I make a decision as to whether I will support the plans.”
Cllr Stephen Conway, leader of Wokingham Borough Council, confirmed the council was exploring its options, and it was a result of resident demands – but stressed no decision had been made.
“Residents with no off-street parking have been requesting such arrangements for a long time, in many parts of the borough near train stations,” he said.
“Some areas of the zones may have some spaces for general use, which may incur a charge. It’s early days and this aspect of the scheme may not go ahead.”
He said nothing would happened without consultations taking place.
