Plans for a radical shake-up of parking in the Banks Road area of West Kirby have taken a step forward, with Wirral council formally advertising its proposals.
The plan centres on the introduction of a series of on-street parking bays limited to two hours waiting, between 9am and 6pm, and a loading only bay. There will also be new waiting restrictions on some junctions.
The proposals, first reported by West Kirby Today when they went out to consultation in January, are aimed at creating easier access for customers of businesses in the busy Banks Road area, by stopping people from parking all day.
The formal advertisement is the first step in the issuing of a Traffic Restriction Order to implement the changes.
Banks Road area parking problems were identified as a key issue for the town in the West Kirby retail centre action plan drawn up by Wirral council in 2014/15.
The plans have divided opinion in the area, with concerns from some residents that the measures will force more of the long-term parking – often by staff from the businesses – into the side streets outside their homes.
The council has sent out letters to residents and businesses affected by the proposals, advertised them in a local newspaper and posted notices on site.
Announcing the latest stage in the process, senior assistant engineer David Kirk said: “The reason for this creation of limited waiting bays is to assist local businesses by providing a turnover of short stay parking spaces outside of their premises as set out in the action plan.”
Anyone wishing to make comments, ask questions or object about the proposals can do so by emailing streetscene@wirral.gov.uk quoting scheme reference number TO/15/05. The closing date for responses is Friday November 4.