Proposals for more extreme parking measures and restrictions being introduced in Whitby have been opposed by local councillors.
The Anchor understands a consultant’s report, Action Plan for Whitby Parking, was circulated last month – which included suggestions for more on street parking meters in the town centre and for the three hour free disc parking being reduced to two hours.
At a meeting of Scarborough and Whitby area committee held at The Pavilion today, the Mayor of Whitby Town Council, Sandra Turner appealed for committee members to back local residents and businesses in opposing the measures.
During public questions, she said parking issues in Whitby already made it “extremely difficult” to go about daily life.
Coun Turner said: “(At the beginning of the meeting) You alluded to the fact members might have to leave this room to move cars because of the disc parking time allowed.
“It is already extremely difficult in Whitby to lead a normal life. We embrace tourism but residents have got to be able to live their life accordingly. Because of the parking, it is extremely difficult to go about daily life.
“Would this committee support residents of Whitby in working and voting against any proposal introducing further on street parking meters and reducing space in time, place and area?”
The meeting heard work to date has been focused on gathering evidence, identifying parking and traffic issues, of which it acknowledged there were many, and assessing a range of issues which may add to these issues.
Chair of the Scarborough and Whitby Area Committee, Coun Liz Colling, reporting back on behalf of North Yorkshire Council said: “It is a very early strategy and no decision has been made regarding the introduction of parking measures.
“Any parking related proposals will be subject to further development, consultation and consideration before any decisions are taken. At this stage there are no firm proposals for approval.”
She added the area committee couldn’t say whether it supported or opposed proposals which have not been formally developed.
However, Coun Turner said as the area committee only met every three months, it didn’t give people the opportunity to come back to them.
She added: “Normally when something has been put on the table, regardless of how early, it comes to fruition. I ask members of this committee to be mindful of the points raised regarding parking issues for residents. We need to live in this town and enjoy our lives and not just for tourism.”
The possibility of more meters was also discussed at Whitby Town Council last week where town councillors also expressed concern.
Coun Fiona Shackleton, for the Abbey Ward, said: “What about the residents who still live in the centre of town. They shouldn’t have to pay. Is there some provision for them to get free parking as they pay their rates.”
Coun Neil Swannick, who represents Whitby Streonshalh for North Yorkshire Council added: “In parking there and winners and losers but, however this plays out, there are going to be issues about who can park where.
“There will be a lot of people disappointed about getting a parking meter outside their house and there has been no real attempt to create off-street parking, which is always needed.”
