Residents who wish to apply for a parking scheme or request modifications to an existing one in Nottinghamshire can follow a multi-stage process.
New schemes will normally only be considered where the following criteria are satisfied:
1. There must have been significant levels of requests from residents concerning non-resident intrusive parking, and
2. The non-resident parking is considered to be detrimental to the vitality of the local centre or other local transport objectives, and
3. There is a trip-attractor which causes non-resident intrusive parking.
How many Residents’ Parking Schemes have been requested?
Nottinghamshire County Council says that during the two financial years 2022/23 and 2023/34 the County Council received 157 requests for the introduction of new Residents’ Parking Schemes (eight of which were petitions).
Of these requests, most were not taken forward for delivery as they did not meet the existing delivery criteria.
It should be noted, however, that during the last five years, 36% of the requests that met the criteria still did not proceed to delivery due to not receiving local public support when the subsequent formal consultation on the schemes was undertaken.
The number of new schemes has been relatively small in recent years as the most pressured streets will either have a scheme already in place, or they will have had the opportunity to have one but no majority consensus among residents was reached.
What is the process?
Residents’ parking schemes are made using a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO). TROs are made by the Highway Authority using powers provided by the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 with the legislative procedure detailed within the Local Authorities’ Traffic Orders (Procedure) (England and Wales) Regulations 1996 (LATOR).
Residents’ Parking schemes are controlled parking zones where parking is only permitted for vehicles displaying a valid resident or visitor permit that is issued by the County Council.
They will typically be used where demand for on-street parking exceeds the road space available and this excess demand is caused by the vehicles of non-residents or their visitors.
On streets where the residents mostly have access to off-street parking, or where the parking demand does not exceed parking capacity, they are not considered appropriate as the residents’ access to their homes is not unreasonably affected by the parking.
In situations where there is a proliferation of on-street parking and the residents have off-street parking, other controls can be considered such as double or single yellow lines where parking is causing road safety or environmental issues associated with high levels of parking.
Initial Request and Assessment
Submission of Request: Residents or a group of residents can submit a request for the introduction of a new Residents’ Parking Scheme or for the modification of an existing scheme. This can be initiated by contacting Nottinghamshire County Council.
Desk-based Assessment: Upon receiving a request, the council conducts a preliminary desk-based assessment. This step verifies if the street(s) in question predominantly lack access to off-street parking, a base criterion for considering a Residents’ Parking Scheme.
Evidence Gathering and Formal Proposal
Parking Surveys: If the initial assessment supports the request, detailed parking surveys are carried out. These surveys measure the extent and frequency of non-residents parking on your street and any road safety or environmental issues. The surveys are conducted at various times and days to accurately capture parking patterns.
Program Inclusion: Should the surveys validate the need for a scheme, the proposal is then included in the annual capital highways program for budgetary approval. This inclusion is contingent on meeting policy requirements concerning the severity and frequency of the parking issue.
Public Engagement and Consultation
Public Engagement: With budgetary approval, a formal public engagement process begins. This includes a preliminary consultation to gauge residents’ support for the scheme. This process aims to ascertain whether there is sufficient local backing—typically requiring at least 35% participation from residents with at least 65% in favour of the proposal.
Formal Consultation and Advertisement: Following positive engagement outcomes, the scheme enters a formal consultation phase. This involves consulting with stakeholders like emergency services, public transport operators, and local community representatives. The scheme is then advertised formally, providing a window (usually 4 weeks) for public comments and objections.
Decision Making and Implementation
Consideration of Objections: All objections are reviewed. If issues raised cannot be resolved through discussion, the proposal may need to be reconsidered or modified. The final decision often rests with a council committee or a designated official, such as the Cabinet Member for Transport & Environment.
Scheme Installation: If objections are resolved or deemed insubstantial, the council proceeds with the installation of necessary signage and road markings. Residents eligible for the scheme are then issued permits, and the scheme becomes operational.
Review and Modification
Scheme Review: Existing schemes can be reviewed upon request, especially if there are significant changes in the area that affect the original reasons for the scheme’s implementation. The review process mirrors the initial steps, requiring evidence of changed circumstances and consultation with affected residents.
This process is designed to ensure that any new or modified Residents’ Parking Scheme is thoroughly vetted and supported by the community it aims to serve, balancing the need for residential parking with broader transportation and environmental objectives.
