Changes to Hastings parking restrictions revealed after consultation

People parking outside schools was one problem highlighted by the consultation

The changes are being brought in to improve traffic flow, road visibility and to clear obstructions, particularly during school drop-off and pick-up times.

Informal consultation for the changes was held throughout 2015, and the final proposals are now ready to be submitted to East Sussex County Council.

Such consultation has had results across Hastings, with the removal of under-used disabled parking spaces at several sites.

Many of the proposed changes are to help ease obstructions on the road or to prevent parking on pavements or verges which can cause problems for pedestrians, particularly those with push chairs, wheelchairs or visual impairments.

Notices will be placed at each of the sites as well as letter being distributed to properties informing them of the changes.

Changes to taxi operational times are also being altered to allow access to parking bays, with taxi operational hours currently running from 11pm to 3am.

This, under the proposals would change the operational hours to 8pm to 6am.

Surveys were also held by the council in response to request from residents of parking permit zones that they were finding it difficult to find a parking space in their zone.

As a result, zone D and G permit holders can park in parking bays.

Two hours of free parking is also available to visitors and tradesmen without the need to purchase a parking permit, where it had previously been proposed to scrap this, but was amended after concerns were raised by residents.

Operational hours of the permits are also being extended, now 9am to 8pm, to aid permit holders who arrive home before 6pm in finding a space to park their car.

The council is giving those with any objections to the proposed changes until the end of the day on April 15, to make it known.

Any objections or other representations can be sent to Parking, East Sussex County Council, County Hall, St Anne’s Crescent, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 1UE or visit www.consultation.eastsussex.gov.uk/economy-transport-environment/hastings-1516.

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