Parking divisions in Wollaton have been described as a 'Marmite situation' - with plans put forward which would see residents having to pay for a permit for a second or third car. The city council launched a public consultation inviting discussion on new proposals which have been earmarked for more than 1,000 streets across Nottingham.
Under the change, a permit for one car would continue to be free - but residents would have to pay £35 for a permit for a second car and £50 for a third. Letters were sent to residents on streets in question to notify them of the situation.
However, a separate permit scheme was introduced across parts of Wollaton last year, notably in an attempt to stop non-residents parking up on Harrow Road and Arleston Drive, near Fernwood Primary School. For example of how the restrictions apply here, only residents with a permit can park past a certain point in Arleston Drive, except in relation to specific bays.
Read more: Parking fees proposed for permit holders across 1,000 streets in Nottingham
However, Councillor Steve Battlemuch, who represents Wollaton West for Labour on Nottingham City Council, explained the existing measures near schools in the area had stopped teachers parking up during the day on residential roads. But for other people living on different streets he said there was more of a divided opinion over the prospect of new charges for permitholders.
And because of the difference of opinion depending on the various street locations, Councillor Battlemuch described the parking divisions in the area as a "very Marmite situation". He explained residents were asked two questions in the consultation over the proposed new fees for permits: the first asked about the proposed charges, while the second asked whether residents wanted their current scheme to stay in place.
For residents living in the streets surrounding Wollaton Park he believes they will want the existing scheme to remain. "For people around Wollaton Park their roads were used as overspill parking and that has changed for the better," he said.
However, for those within existing permit schemes around schools, including himself, Councillor Battlemuch said the situation was perhaps different. He said: "What we've got in Wollaton is a complex and very Marmite situation.
"These schemes around Middleton Primary School, for example, had a lot of support. But particularly it was people who thought everyone who turned up would be ticketed.
"But motorists have to be observed stationary for more than five minutes. We don't have enough enforcement officers to monitor it. A lot of residents think it is going to be enforced 24/7, but it is really just about trying to change people's behaviours.
"When the dust had settled people looked at it and thought it had not made much of a difference. It did stop teachers parking there all day but it didn't stop drop-offs. I think these schemes around the schools have a chance to not be renewed."
Councillor Battlemuch said he believed existing permit measures elsewhere hadn't proved as effective as hoped, specifically in Harrow Road, Eton Grove, Ancaster Gardens and the Cambridge Road area of Wollaton. "[It] isn't working very well and has not improved the safety of children walking to school," he said.
The city council agreed earlier this year to launch the consultation on the introduction of the new fees - with the changes forming part of the authority's plan to set a balanced budget for 2022-23. Officials say it will bring the city in line with "most schemes around the country" and stressed that most households have one car. The results of the consultation are expected in due course.
Local residents also spoke about the current situation - and explained what happens when they have visitors over. Receptionist Nicola Daubney, 59, who lives in Fernwood Crescent, said: "We are alright as we have a parking permit but it is a bit of a problem. My daughter has friends that come and park on the driveway, which is usually quite full, so they don't have to park on the road."
Another local resident, 56-year-old engineer Shaun Richard, said that, although it could be tricky at times to find a parking space, the main priority was the safety of children in the area.
Speaking previously, city council leader, Councillor David Mellen, said: "Charging brings us in line with most schemes around the country, while the first permit being free takes the needs of local people into account as most households only have one car.
“These charges would contribute to the rising cost of administering the schemes, which have increased in popularity meaning tens of thousands of permits have been issued to help communities manage parking on their streets.
“The income from the charges will reduce the council’s subsidy of the scheme, which is effectively paid for by all city residents, whether they are part of a scheme or not. The letters we are issuing at the moment give people an opportunity to object to the proposals by August 26.”
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