A NEW residents parking scheme is to be introduced in a Leicester neighbourhood from next month.
Leicester City Council will introduce the permit-only parking scheme in the Woodgate area, close to the city centre, to help address local concerns about the number of commuter and business vehicles using residential streets for free all-day parking.
The new scheme will include mainly terraced streets adjoining Woodgate and part of Fosse Road North. In total, around 700 homes will be included in the scheme.
It has been designed in response to concerns raised by residents and Fosse ward councillors over persistent parking problems and follows extensive local consultation.
From Tuesday 1 July, most parking in the streets covered by the new scheme will only be available to vehicle owners who have a valid resident’s, visitor’s or business parking permit.
Short stay, pay & display or pay by phone parking bays where customers can park will also be provided to support local businesses.
Eight streets off Woodgate and Fosse Road North will be included in the scheme. These include Balfour Street, Marshall Street, Bassett Street, Dunton Street, Rugby Street, Repton Street, Central Road, and Bonchurch Street.
Part of Fosse Road North, between Bonchurch Street and the Fiveways junction, and Woodgate, between its junctions with Balfour Street and Dunton Street, will also be covered by the new scheme.
Assistant city mayor Cllr Geoff Whittle, who leads on environment and transport, said: “We’ve seen in other parts of the city how the introduction of residents’ parking schemes can be an effective way of tackling parking problems in local neighbourhoods and freeing up spaces for the people who live there.
“This latest scheme, in the Woodgate area, will address concerns raised by local councillors and residents about city centre commuter parking. By introducing permit only parking, we can help make it easier for residents to find available parking close to their homes, and new customer parking bays will also mean local businesses don’t suffer.”
Under the city council’s current parking permit scheme, charges will be £35 per year for a residents’ permit; £100 per year for a business permit tied to a particular vehicle, and £150 for a business permit that can be transferred between vehicles. Visitor permits are available for residents, at either £40 for a year (limited to one per household), or £2 for 24-hours. Permits for landlords and carers are also available. Vehicles displaying a blue badge will be exempt from the permit holders only restriction.
There are currently 14 residents parking schemes in operation across Leicester.