Parking restrictions loom for Oswestry streets to avoid 'dangerous situations'

Councillor James Owen has tabled a motion to see if Shropshire Council can place restrictions on Ambleside Road and Greenbank Close.

He said that following a survey of the 41 properties, 85% of people who responded wanted some changes to happen to address the parking problems, with the most popular (69%) being a resident permit scheme.

“I was contacted by residents of Ambleside Road who brought up various incidents of parking of non-residents along the road, apparently using the residential areas as free parking to go into town or work,” said Mr Owen.

“These problem vehicles also park on pavements preventing mobility scooters from passing, and cars parked on both sides of the road have prevented emergency vehicles from being able to reach properties, making residents feel unsafe. These issues have been going on for years, from personal experience visiting my nana on this street every week since I was born until she moved into a nursing home.

“While most people adhere to existing parking restrictions as well as ensure in the absence of parking restrictions, they still park in a considerate manner, the few let everyone down. This leads to frustrating and sometimes dangerous situations.

“While amendments to Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) are the delegated responsibility of Highways officers at Shropshire Council, I feel that it is correct for us as a town council to be able to request particular areas to be looked into and amendments put to a public consultation where necessary.”

Mr Owen has also highlighted issues on Beatrice Street, where parking restrictions have only recently been enforced despite being amended in October 2022.

“A small sign has suddenly been changed to the correct restriction, leaving residents caught out and facing fixed penalty notices when simply trying to visit local businesses,” said the councillor.

Mr Owen has proposed that there is a 40-minute restriction (no return within one hour) in Beatrice Street from 8am to 6pm Monday to Saturday. This will be from 4.2 metres north-east of its former junction with Cambrian Place.

He also wants the residents’ on-street parking scheme extended include both sides of Ambleside Road and Greenbank Close, with there being no waiting at any time restrictions on Ambleside Road from its junction with Middleton Road. The proposals will be discussed at Oswestry Town Council’s meeting this Wednesday (November 6).