Bristol parking ban halted
Council workmen were all set for a double yellow line blitz on scores of roads in Henleaze. But an outcry from residents has led to second thoughts by council officials who have now ordered a review later in the year.
Puzzled residents could not see the need for the yellow lines – Henleaze is a leafy suburb with quiet residential streets. There is little traffic, the roads are wide enough for emergency vehicles and parking in the street is minimal compared to many other parts of the city.
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Henleaze residents Gordon Holmes, Ross Harley and Des Barker
Neighbourhood watch co-ordinator Des Baker said: "This would have been a blanket imposition of double yellow lines which makes no sense.
"We can understand putting them where there might be issues near a school or on a busy road.
"But these would be put down on quiet residential streets where there is absolutely no need for them."
Retired engineer Ross Harley, 64, of Oakwood Road, described the plan as "systemic over-regulation".
He said: "The Highway Code tells you that you should not park within a certain distance of a junction and yet the council believes there is a need to paint double yellow lines around them.
"There are some instances where there is a problem – but the double yellow lines are not being painted there."
Gordon Holmes, a retired agency company secretary, who lives in Oakwood Road said double yellow lines were planned for a bend in his street – but no one ever parks there because it would be too dangerous to do so.
Mr Baker said residents were asked for their views about parking restrictions two years ago. But he said that when nothing happened, everyone assumed the idea had been dropped.
A few days ago, objectors to the scheme received a letter from the council to say that the double yellow line painting was going ahead.
He said: "We're told that the council must save £30 million – yet they are prepared to spend money on completely unnecessary things like this."
Council maps show where the double yellow lines were set to be painted. They include:
Quiet cul-de-sacs where there is hardly any traffic and there are no apparent parking problems,
Accesses to driveways where no one has complained about bad parking,
On a dangerous bend where residents say there has never been a parking problem.
Bristol City Council spokeswoman Kate Hartas said: "In view of the concerns raised by residents and councillors about some of the restrictions, the council will be starting a review of the scheme in October 2009 which will allow it to address any outstanding issues."
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by John, Henleaze
Thursday, July 23 2009, 9:14PM
“I walked home tonight feeling pretty good about life in Henleaze, lack of crime, quiet roads, great high street, 'experienced' residents great cafe which strangely doesn't open on a Sunday... Anyway when I turned into my road my delight exploded; Banksy has created one of his masterpieces all over my street! Oh wait no, (my delight turn to dismay) its completely missing any tell tale signs of intelligence or wit. Suddenly I came to the horrific realisation that this wasn't a well crafted artistic view of modern Bristol, but instead a clearly plastered council employee running low on their methadone prescription, has had the instruction to paint wavy lines all the road around my house.
I don¿t blame the little scamp that was only enjoying the sunshine and following orders, though perhaps a change of career maybe in order, traffic warden or executioner seem to be more publicly acceptable.
I do question however the insane decision to paint graffiti all over my street, I could park a fleet of Winnebago¿s to the nearest junction and no one uses it unless they are parking! We now have a row of 12 houses with only enough space for about 5 cars! Great planning guys it must have taken you all night around the Bong to think that was a good idea! Now I¿m going to have to contend with the hordes of elderly daredevils speeding on their mobility scooters practicing ollies and bunny hops off the curb. I could be wrong, but during the in depth due diligence this growing social menace was clearly over looked. Actually that¿s interesting can they parked on double yellows?..
Its OK though, rather than ask the council to spend anymore of our pot gold (you little leprechaun¿s you). I¿ve ordered more tar than you can shake a large stick at, and will spend my weekend correcting their misguided decision. Equally if my suspicion is correct, the council is quite happy for you to park and drive a mobility scooter anywhere so I¿m thinking of opening a Henleaze dealership. Soon we could all be living the wild life parking in the street & mowing down pedestrians...”
by Not posh but a Resident, Small Flat in Henleaze
Wednesday, July 15 2009, 8:35PM
“Just noticed that lots of graffiti has been put on the streets around our area on the pavements that shows where I will not be able to park my car in the future, if these posh people with 3 cars and massive driveways get their way. I LIVE in Henleaze also and was NEVER consulted about the restricted parking outside the FLAT I OWN!!! Looks like outside MY flat they want there to be 2 hour restrictions for all. I think then I shall park of the nearest residents driveway as they don't have restrictions or double yellows.
The double yellow lines will prevent nothing as the majority of the bad and illegal parking is by the residents all around henleaze with blue disabled badges whose parking generally is nothing but dangerous. What needs to happen is more Traffic wardens in this area ticketing the illegally parked cars. I've lived here 5 years and seen only TWO wardens!!!! Good way to make money and solve the problem!!
Des I'm with you, and people of Henleaze, buy smaller cars you might be able to park them better!!!”
by Fed up, Brislington
Wednesday, July 15 2009, 2:01PM
“Please, if you have any spare double yellow lines, can we have them for the junctions at Braikenridge Road and Buckingham Road where they meet Langton Road, nothing but trouble here with people parking right up to/ over the junctions making it near to impossible to get round, especially when cars are parked on the othr side of the road! God forbid an ambulance or fir engine should ever want to get round! Come on Council put them when they are needed for safety.”
by Anon, Park Grove, Henleaze
Wednesday, July 15 2009, 12:18PM
“I remember I had to buy his "magic water" just to get him to stop pestering me all the time!”
by Anon, Park Grove, Henleaze
Wednesday, July 15 2009, 12:15PM
“Your all lucky, I have live within spitting distance of this guy!”