Update log:
29/10/2017: Uploaded this page
31/10/2017: Minor edits
1/11/2017: More "cons" added
31/1/18 More cons added
​31/1/18 Solution 3 added

The solutions (to parking problems)

Note: If you would like to contribute any thoughts about this - or any other solutions to parking,  please email us [email protected]
Here we provide information about any solutions that might solve the Parking Problems. ​This page will be updated as we gather more information and more answers. SPJARA does not favour any particular solution over any other.

On the Problems Page, we have done our best to list the problems as we understand them to be.

Here on this Solutions Page, we want to publish as much detail as possible of any solutions that we know of or that are suggested to us by any resident.

Currently (November 2017), we are just embarking on the collection of information and facts. It is worth checking back regularly to view updates

Therefore, we will publish details here of
  • links to any existing, useful documentation e.g. Gloucestershire County Council documents describing Parking Permit Schemes
  • links to other documents (possibly other Council's documents) that might help the debate about PPSs
  • questions that remain unanswered
Please email us with anty comments or suggestions to [email protected] 
Solution 1 - A Parking Permit Scheme

A Parking Permit Scheme (PPS) is the most obvious solution to parking problems that springs into everyone's mind - regardless of one's stance on parking. At the other extreme is the option of doing nothing. The reality is that any significant solution would almost certainly have to be based on some suitable flavour of Parking Permit Scheme (PPS).

PPSs are the remit of Gloucestershire County Council - not Cheltenham Borough Council. Gloucestershire County Council's leaflet describes Parking Permit Schemes. This is useful because it addresses many of the common questions and describes the operation of a typical scheme. It also provides valuable insight into GCC's opinion of the pros and cons of Parking Permit Schemes.

In late October 2017, several SPJARA committee members held a meeting with key people from Gloucestershire County Council’s Parking and Highways Departments.

The purpose of the meeting was to 
• seek specific answers that we could not find elsewhere to a variety of questions about PPS 
• gain a better understanding of the PPS end-to-end process 
• understand the criteria required for GCC  to start a PPS process

The results of that meeting are here
Some pros of a PPS
  • Commuters will no longer be able to park all day at the expense of residents  
  • Residents would be able to come and go with a significantly higher chance of finding a suitable space when they return
  • Safety improved for pedestrians and motorists, particularly at junctions
  • Drop Kerbs for mobility vehicles will not be blocked by poorly parked cars
  • Non-permit holders can no longer park unsightly large vehicles selfishly and indefinitely (but permit holders could - we need to know max size and weight of vehicle that can get a permit) 
  • Traffic movement reduced; air quality improved
  • Without a PPS, visitors struggle to find a space due to commuter and student taking any free spaces.
  • Visitors to the local shops will find a space more easily during the day if 2 hours parking is applied
  • It may (details to be checked) eradicate some large vans from parking.
​To be continued..........
Some cons of a PPS
  • The cost of £50 per annum, 1st car, £100 for second car. So those who have previously had free on-street parking are required to pay for this in future, although they did not create the problem
  • Still doesn't guarantee a space right outside your door - or even a space
  • If zone is large, permit holders from other parts of the same zone can still park unsightly over-large vehicles selfishly and indefinitely 
  • issues with visitor parking...logging on or registering visitors (and cost)
  • Those with off-street parking don't gain as much as those with no off-street parking 
  • the introduction of a PPS in one area merely displaces the problem onto neighbouring streets outside the zone
  • in some areas with an existing PPS, there are often some empty spaces all day that could be better used to provide parking for non-residents. This could prevent some displacement and thereby reduce the demand for a PPS in adjoining areas into which such displacement happens.
  • Traffic movement could actually be increased because residents are more likely to use their car more instead of walking cycling etc, thereby possibly increasing pollution. 
  • Commuters park once and stay all day. Shoppers coming and going more frequently could also increase pollution
  • 50 visitor tickets a year might not be enough for some people.
  • Ad hoc guests may find it less convenient to visit if they will need to request a permit
  • Low-wage vacancies may be harder to fill and services may not be so well provided if workers cannot park.
​To be continued.........
Solution 2 - doing nothing
A decision to do nothing is another valid solution, but the following is worth bearing in mind.

There is nothing to suggest that any macro solution such as more Park & Rides, more yellow lines etc. will relieve the pressure sufficiently or resolve the parking problems sufficiently - or within a reasonable timeframe. The process of getting a PPS approval from Gloucestershire County Council can, it seems take up to 2 years. Therefore, it would seem wise to at least get the ball rolling on a PPS process. 
Solution 3 - a Town-wide solution?
Clearly, a town-wide solution that resolved the issue of the large number of commuters parking in our roads and streets would be good. This requires a long-term, town-wide approach, more Park-and-Ride locations, better cycling routes and a much more integrated public transport system.

Yes, a great solution, but it is fair to say that such a holistic solution would take many years to implement.

​