Officials at Somerset County Council's Highways Department are to continue to work with management and staff at Yeovil Hospital and at nearby St Gilda's school following news that a residents parking scheme in the area is to go ahead.
Work on the two pilot schemes in the Town Centre East (Area D) and Crofton Park (Area A) is expected to start soon and the schemes are expected to be fully operational by May of this year.
The schemes will give priority for daytime parking to resident permit holders in many streets in these areas as part of a controlled parking zone.
Implementation manager for the county's Local Transport Plan, Mr Chris Young said discussions were 'on-going' with the Hospital, First Bus Company and St Gilda's school to try and achieve a smooth transition into the parking regime.
"It is currently envisaged the scheme will be brought into operation by May 2003 on a trial basis with a full review after 6-12 months. As part of the review changes will be considered to the restrictions and the way the scheme is working. If it is decided the scheme is a success, then other areas around the town centre will be looked at for inclusion in future controlled parking zones."
The Executive Board member with special responsibility for Transport, Cllr Tim Carroll said that the scheme was being introduced as part of theTransport Strategy for Yeovil, which was recently reaffirmed by the Yeovil Community Review of Transport.
"The aim is to return streets to the residents and encourage motorists to consider whether using their car is the right option, particularly for short journeys within the town."
Mr. Carroll added, "The Crofton Park area is of course adjacent to the
Yeovil District Hospital. For this reason several of the nearby parking bays will allow 2 hour limited waiting, which should prove useful to visitors to the hospital as these spaces cannot be taken up by all day parking. For customers of Goldcroft Post Office 30 minute waiting will be permitted in a dual use bay in Crofton Park. To improve traffic flows a loading ban is also to be introduced in Roping Road between the junction with Mitchelmore Road and Higher Kingston."
In the Town Centre Area East many restrictions will remain unchanged, with residents only parking provided in Earle Street, Cecil Street, Vincent Place and Mill Lane.
Mr. Young warned motorists to 'look out' for the new signs and changes to parking restrictions in these areas as the changes were 'likely to affect a number of people.'
He added that South Somerset District Council were acting as agents for the highway authority (Somerset County Council) in administering the new parking bays.
"All residential properties will be receiving leaflets during March detailing the approved proposals and how to apply for and purchase permits."
In the meantime plans of the proposals were going on public display and new road markings and signs would be appearing on the streets.
Mr. Young added, "Once the scheme is operational there will be 3 types of new parking bay: Resident permit holders only Monday to Saturday between the hours of 9am to 6pm; Resident permit holders only or limited waiting (for length of time as shown on the sign) Monday to Saturday between the hours of 9am to 6pm and limited waiting (for length of time as shown on the sign) Monday to Saturday between the hours of 9am to 6pm."
