Update log:
29/10/2017: Uploaded this page
31/10/2017: Minor edits
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Parking: The Problems

​Some of the main problems with the current situation as reported to us by residents
  1. Our area is being used more heavily than ever before by commuters and university students - all seeking free parking. Commuters in particular are circulating from about 7:30 am. Many are still parked when residents return in the evening. Frequently, returning residents cannot therefore find a space reasonably close to their home
  2. Residents, especially those with young children find that if they move their car at any time of the day, say for school runs or shopping etc, they cannot park anywhere near their home upon their return 
  3. More cars are being parked on pavements. That is probably illegal, it damages the pavements and is certainly unacceptable to local residents who use them to walk - why should they find the places set aside for walking obstructed by cars and vans?  It is particularly a problem for those using wheelchairs, buggies or prams.
  4. Things have got worse recently due to the introduction in August 2017 of Parking Permit Schemes in Lansdown Crescent, Malvern Road and Christchurch areas. As a result, there is significant displacement of vehicles into our already congested area
  5. Things could further deteriorate as Tivoli residents have started to push for a Parking scheme. Were that to happen, we would suffer yet more displacement and pressure.
  6. The building of substantial numbers of new houses on the outskirts of Cheltenham is naturally creating yet more pressure on parking from commuters 
  7. Poor and dangerous parking is happening more and more. Cars are being parked nearer and nearer to junctions, often across Give Way lines, making it really tricky and dangerous for the many older people who walk through our area
  8. Because cars are often parked too close to junctions, crossing the road can be very dangerous, especially for those using wheelchairs, buggies or mobility vehicles​
  9. When vehicles are parked near junctions, they create hazards for other motorists by obscuring sightlines
  10. Cars and camper vans are being left parked for lengthy periods (weeks and months) by non-residents who choose not to park (or pay for parking) in their own road, street or zone
  11. Commuters are leaving engines running, sometimes with music or radios playing loudly if they arrive too early in the morning. This is reducing air quality and extremely inconsiderate. Some even take the opportunity to clean out their cars of coffee cups etc. which end up as litter at the kerbside
  12. Shoppers who may want to visit local shops have been excluded by commuter parking which never moves all day long
  13. On some roads with little frontage, light is being blocked by large vans parked outside front windows
  14. There have been a number of incidents of garages and access to rear gardens being partially or totally blocked
  15. Tension around the issue of parking is rising, with anecdotal evidence of frayed tempers and minor altercations on the increase
Please email us at [email protected] if you would like us to add any points to this list or if you you think any facts are incorrect.