Wiltshire Council lifts Trowbridge parking suspensions amid complaints

The council suspended parking in the bays ahead of working starting on January 15 to improve pavements and roads in Fore Street, Manvers Street and Wicker Hill and they were set to last the rest of the year.

But following complaints from local shopkeepers, the suspensions on the two loading and unloading bays in Fore Street outside NatWest Bank and opposite the junction with Manvers Street have been removed.

Vehicles queue to access the loading / unloading bay outside NatWest Bank where a parking suspension has now been lifted. (Image: Edward Kirk)

Cllr Caroline Thomas, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “The two loading bays with signs initially indicating that loading was suspended have been removed.

“Enforcement will only take place where loading and unloading isn’t actively taking place. Parking enforcement officers will monitor vehicles for a short period and no ticket will be issued as long as active loading is observed during this time.

“The double yellow lines outside Sportsbug on Fore Street will be unaffected during phase one of these works and so this area will be available for loading.

“We recognise that road improvements of this scale cause disruption and we apologise for any inconvenience. However, it is worth noting that these works will bring significant benefits to the town and businesses.

“I’m pleased to see that some businesses have already been communicating alternative arrangements for customers, and although they recognise inconvenience will occur, they also recognise investment into the area will bring long-term benefits, as has been seen with the previous elements of this scheme in Church Street, Union Street and Castle Street.

“Our contractor will remain in close contact with businesses that are affected by the different phases of works to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum. I would like to reassure everyone that businesses in the area are open as usual.”

A parking restriction on using the loading/unloading bays has now been lifted unless no activity is taking place in which case the driver could get a penalty charge. (Image: Edward Kirk)

The decision follows complaints from shopkeepers whose delivery vans and lorries use the loading and unloading bay close to NatWest Bank about a lack of clarity in what they can and cannot do.

Cllr Edward Kirk, whose family runs the Scholars school uniform shop and Sportsbug in Fore Street, said: “I have to be able to access my businesses and would like to know where I can go to load/unload. Is that too much to ask?

“As a business owner, I don’t know what I am going to do – it is all too vague what is and is not permitted.

“The current restrictions permit this for up to 15 minutes without penalty. Wiltshire Council policy is to issue a penalty notice after five minutes if there is no activity.

“Our vans/cars, normally have to park on the Fore Street/Wicker Hill section because the main loading bays in Fore Street by the banks are often full. This can be a large delivery vehicle or disabled drivers ignoring the fact they are loading bays.

“From Wicker Hill area I then have to go up to my Scholars shop, this can take more than five minutes. I think businesses should be provided with details of the alternative arrangements, rather than us waiting for the issues to arise.

“I can tell you what two issues will be now, before they happen – the loading bay outside number 12 Fore Street, will have cars parked in there for hours.

“Parking Services don’t have the resources to ensure this is kept for loading / unloading. Also, the unrestricted areas of double yellow near to the Fore Street works will be taken over for disabled three-hour parking.

“I trust the council will learn from the experience at Castle Street and ensure that contractors / operatives are accommodating to businesses.”