News / Transport
Commuters targeted by new Downs parking rules
New parking restrictions have been put in place on the Downs in a move the mayor says will stop commuters using it as a “park and ride”.
Drivers will only be able to park in bays around the protected parkland for a maximum of five hours between Monday and Friday, 9am-5pm, with no limits at the weekends.
The new scheme will become operational on Saturday with enforcement for people who park on new double yellow lines.
George Ferguson said: “The Downs are one of Bristol’s greatest assets and many people have become increasingly concerned at its misuse as less of a ‘park’ and more a ‘park and ride’.”
Cars are being towed on Durdham Downs to make way for new parking restrictions that start this weekend. pic.twitter.com/tRmZInWRLK
— Made in Bristol TV (@madeinbristoltv) December 11, 2015
Cars were towed away this week as contractors painted the new bays and double yellows ready for the scheme to go live at the weekend.
A total of 18 roads around the Downs are being affected by the new rules which are designed to make the parkland available for recreational use only. A list of the roads can be found here.
Council transport boss Peter Mann said: “The removal of all day commuter parking will provide more spaces on the Downs for recreational users.
“The five hour limited waiting bays will also make it easier for people to park up and walk to the shops, supporting the businesses in Clifton Village and on Whiteladies Road.”
The new scheme has been implemented following recent residents parking zones (RPZs) in Clifton. The Downs Committee had warned that the spread of RPZs would turn the Downs into a car park.
Pictures by Mike Owen.
Read about how new RPZs were received in Montpelier.
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