Residents in South Gloucestershire have been urged by councillors to tell them what they think about parking arrangements with regards to new housing developments - however the council have not included existing parking issues for irresponsible parking outside local schools, hospitals and residential areas

House conversions into flats in Filton have soared in recent years, adding to the pressure of increased traffic and parking congestion. Councillors have approved such conversions, despite many objections from residents on these type of conversions.

Council policies which deal with parking arrangements, have recently been heavily criticised for being out of touch with reality and last month,the head teacher at Filton Hill school, Kirsten Lemming, stated that children's safety at her school was being placed at risk because South Gloucestershire councillors in Filton had failed to sort out irresponsible parking at her school

Labour Leader Councillor Andy Perkins, whose own ward of Woodstock in Kingswood has seen numerous flat conversions bringing extra parking needs in recent years, said that council's policies were "hopelessly out of date".

"Time and again we've seen houses converted into flats with no extra parking provided," he said.

"Council planning officers always tell us that our areas are 'sustainable' and that bus routes are close by, but this ignores the reality of the world we live in - that most people have cars."

A cross-party working group of councillors who are aiming to propose new parking standards that would-be developers would have to meet before planning permission could be given.

Despite Labour leader Councillor Perkins' concerns, only last month all 15 Labour Councillors on South Gloucestershire Council elected not to vote on a core strategy planning vote, which could have huge impact on traffic and parking congestion.

Councillor Perkins explained that the document was over two hundred pages and a complex issue but received heavy criticism for his party members failing to vote.

Councillor Roger Hutchinson (Filton) Labour's spokesperson on transport said: "We've seen this problem all over the district in the established urban area - from Filton and Patchway across to Kingswood and Staple Hill.

"We now want to hear from residents in those areas what they think the council should be setting as realistic parking requirements from new developments."

Residents of Braemar Avenue in Filton and other roads in Filton, have raised serious concerns regarding parking safety at recent safer stronger South Glos meetings, without success.

They have also produced a petition asking the council to act. An investigation has been promised by Councillor Hutchinson, however Bristol City Council has opted for immediate action by employing a car which is able to capture picture evidence of parking offences and send penalty notices in the post.

They claim this also offers a visible deterrent which South Glos do not currently have..

One resident said: "This consultation is only for new developments, what about existing problems with parking and traffic - nothing is done currently. Where is the consultation on existing problems?

"It's these Councillors who approve more bus lanes, restricting car movements in areas like Filton that we are suffering as a result. With the likely development of the airfield, traffic congestion is set to soar and the council are closing Highwood Road in Patchway for another bus lane!.

"They are completely disconnected from reality and the fact is its these councillors who are making these decisions."

Another resident said "Why are these councillors objecting to such developments now? When you look at the records for planning permission, Labour councillors and others are happy to approve such developments.

"If they know it's a problem now why aren't they objecting to applications now, the problem is obvious?"

The cross-party group of councillors is asking residents to fill-in a ten-minute questionnaire to help them understand better their views. The questionnaire is available online at www.southglos.gov.uk/parkingstandards or paper copies can be obtained through libraries, the council's One-Stop Shops or by telephoning 01454 863469.

The deadline for responding is March 2nd, 2012.