West Bridgford on-street parking review

This is the result of a review that initially began in December 2023.

We knew from studies that there are limited spaces for visitors to the centre and we wanted to ensure that we have the right mix of parking opportunities to meet all needs.

This is about repurposing the areas already available, to make them more efficient. In some areas, there are no restrictions at all, and cars can park freely all day very close to the centre.

This is unusual in a town that not only attracts visitors from miles around to shop but also is the location for major sporting stadiums.

We are going to implement a new layout that will increase the number of parking 'slots' available, particularly for those shopping in the town. This ensures the long-term vitality of the town.

Initially, we have suggested streets that are within a short walk of the centre that would be a good starting point for considering changes. We listened carefully to comments back from residents in those areas where we are proposing changes.

The roads, and proposed changes are as follows:

Albert Road, Florence Road, Gordon Road, Gordon Square, Rectory Road (south) and Priory Road

Conversion of all existing limited waiting parking areas into short-stay 3 hours pay and display with 30 minutes free parking.

Bridgford Road 

Conversion of existing free parking bays into long-stay pay and display bays (no upper daily limit) with 30 minutes free parking.

Church Drive, Davies Road and Rectory Road (north).

Introduce new restrictions of short-stay 3 hours pay and display parking provision with 30 minutes free parking.

Fox Road and Hound Road

New long stay pay and display (no upper daily limit) / residents parking.

In all locations, parking will be free for 30 minutes with a ticket. They will then move to either short-stay, or long-stay options

For Fox and Hound Road where the spaces are immediately adjacent to the residential properties, a hybrid option offers the option for residents to purchase a residents' permit which would exempt them from the charges.

The proposal on those roads simplifies the current restrictions that range from unlimited parking to 30 minutes, one hour and 2-hour restrictions.

This will depend on the time, and where you wish to park.

The charges for long and short-stay parking are detailed below. In all instances, the first half hour will be free of charge but a ticket will need to be displayed in the vehicle.

Short stay parking charges

8am – 8pm (All days) Max stay 3 hours, will be as follows: 

0 – 30 mins     Free

Up to 1 hr        £1.50

Up to 2 hrs      £2.50

Up to 3 hrs      £3.50

Long stay parking charges

8am – 8pm, (All days) will be as follows:

0 – 30 mins     Free

Up to 1 hr        £1.50

Up to 2 hrs      £2.50

Up to 3 hrs      £3.50

Up to 4 hrs      £4.50

Over 4 hours   £6.00

Residents’ permit charge

£40 for either a residents' or visitors' permit. Free for Blue Badge holders or those over 75.

The charges are in line with those already imposed by the Borough Council at their car parks.

The aim of introducing charges is to ensure that prime on-street parking locations will be more readily available to visitors to West Bridgford which will in turn support the businesses and boost the vitality of the retail centre.

This is about repurposing the areas already available, to make them more efficient.

In some areas, there are no restrictions at all, and cars can park freely all day very close to the centre.

This is unusual in a town that not only attracts visitors from miles around to shop but also is the location for major sporting stadiums.

There are also some areas of residents parking that seem underused, but we will listen carefully to comments back from residents in those areas.

West Bridgford is highly accessible by public transport.

Over 1300 buses a day travel along Bridgford Road, Loughborough Road, or Radcliffe Road with 12 different services operating over 16 hours a day.

If we can reduce congestion caused by cars circling looking for spaces, this will also help the buses operate more efficiently.

In addition, those who choose to walk or cycle will benefit from better air quality and fewer moving vehicles.

West Bridgford is a thriving local town centre that attracts visitors from many miles around because of its unique retail experience and unrivalled sporting events.

Previous studies have identified that parking availability is one of the most important issues that people raise. This proposal therefore aims to address that and further support the development of the centre.

Any money generated from parking charges will go back into the services to fund the associated costs which include the maintenance of parking signs and lines, the cost of enforcement, and the management of the parking services.

Any surplus could be put aside for local improvements.

We asked the public what they thought about this in the questionnaire and the majority said highways improvements.

Blue Badge holders would not be impacted by the proposed changes to the restrictions as they would continue to be able to park without charge.

For those residents where very few alternatives exist, it is proposed to offer an evening parking dispensation to allow residents to park for free in the pay and display bays between 6pm and 9am and all-day Sunday.

This will ensure that they have the option of using the on-street bays when they cannot park near their property at times when demand will be lower for shopping spaces. 

Yes, even for the 30-minute free period.

Those with residents’ passes will not need to pay to park once they have paid for permit. This must, however, be displayed in the vehicle.

Pay and display machines will take cash and card payments including contactless payments. Furthermore, an option to pay by phone will also be introduced.

There will be lots of signage and other communication to show when the changes start and officers will be present to help people to use the machines.

If you do not display a ticket, a penalty notice may be issued. As with any Penalty Charge Notice, there is a simple appeals process available.

Initially, the emphasis though will be on explaining and assisting the public to use the new process.

There will be lots of signage, advice on how to get a ticket, and support from our enforcement teams as we start to use the new system.

Support for the proposals was forthcoming from Nottinghamshire Police and Rushcliffe Borough Council. There were no objections from local businesses.

In its response, the Borough Council noted the proposals and stated that the proposed on-street changes align with their off-street car parking strategy.