LeicestershireLive readers are sceptical about the benefits of tougher parking restrictions in certain Leicester streets. The tightening of rules may be “some way off” though according to council bosses, with some readers believing they will not work at all.
The plans, by Leicester City Council, would see an extension to current ‘no stopping’ red route in some of the city’s neighbourhoods, with it potentially being introduced along Stoneygate’s Evington Road. The initiative is designed to ease traffic congestion, but is yet to have a confirmed rollout date.
Red routes involve painting double or single red lines along roads to stop vehicles from stopping at any time, whether on the verge, pavement, or road, during specified hours. However, LeicestershireLive readers are unconvinced by the idea and fearful about its impacts on trade in the area. Evingtonlocal said: “I am appalled by the council’s plan […] to implement a red route that will harm and kill local businesses and the community. Can’t you see what’s happening in town? Empty, retail is struggling!”
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DeanHawkins agrees: “There won’t be any shoppers if you put red lines in place and put lots of small businesses out of business.”
The red route scheme is already operational on London Road, with the city council’s expansion plan yet to get off the ground. A timeline on its implementation along the likes of Evington Road has yet to be established, but many readers believe they will not make much difference without tougher action from those in charge.
Kadymogs said: “Many motorists are disrespectful when it comes to parking appropriately. Double and single red lines will make no difference whatsoever unless there is strict enforcement and harsh fines.”
Saneman points out: “The rules are already in place, it only needs a traffic warden to apply the parking tickets on the cars parking illegally. The fines would pay for the traffic warden wages so it is self financing. This problem could be sorted tomorrow, get on with it.”
(Image: Mohsin Seth)
However, others believed the issues faced by motorists on some city streets was due to a lack of parking. Mickjack said: “The reason people park on double yellows, on pavements or at junctions is because there are next to no available parking spaces.
“There are a few laybys on Evington Road but they are usually occupied. All the side-streets off Evington Road have cars parked on both sides, leaving only enough room for a car to drive down. Double red lines would work if they are enforced and people are fined.”
Shotgun_Robert agrees: “I frequently travel along Evington Road on various days and times of the week and the standard of parking is mind boggling. The zig zag lines of a crossing are not for you to park on so you can go and collect your take away! The double yellow lines on the corners of the side streets are not there for you to park, thus causing vehicles problems trying to turn off Evington Road. The only thing I don’t see along there are traffic enforcement officers.”
Some LeicestershireLive readers pointed the blame squarely on drivers – and a lack of rule following. Akirasan said: “No one to stop them from parking, look round the Highfields and Melton Road area. All on the phone no seat belts and poor driving standards along with total disregard for other road users. Evington Road has been a terrible place to drive for years.”
Spareanychange adds: “Failure to consistently apply the law has led to this chaos on the roads. Things like doctored number plates, illegal tints, not wearing seat belts and carrying unrestrained kids, parking and waiting on yellows, zigzags and footways to actually leaving a car unattended. No one is bothered.”
What do you think the solution to the parking chaos is? More traffic wardens or a red route? Have your say in our comments section.
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