By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
There are hopes a free 20 minute “pit stop” in Gloucester council car parks will help solve the “lethal” problem of motorists parking on the cycle lane in Southgate Street.
Serious concerns have been raised over the number of cars which are seen parked along the cycle route outside vape shops and takeaways in Southgate Street.
Gloucester City Council is conducting a review of its parking regime and are looking to introduce overnight charges.
But they could also introduce a longer grace period which may ease the problem near Spalite Hotel.
Councillor Liam Harries (LD, Quedgeley Severn Vale) told the overview and scrutiny committee on March 2 that he had noticed the problem on Southgate Street.
“There are quite a lot of people who park on the road by the takeaways and vape shops,” he said.
“It is often a bit difficult driving up and down there.”
He asked if something could be included in the car parks to allow a longer grace period at Southgate Moorings.
“A quick pit stop, a free period that would allow people to park and pop in very quickly into town for free,” he said.
“Either for deliveries to shops or customers, say if you want to go into town because you want to just pick something up or need to go to the bank for say ten minutes.”
Deputy leader Declan Wilson (LD, Hucclecote) said they would look at introducing a 20 minute grace period.
Councillor Karen James (L, Kingsway), echoed Cllr Harries’ concerns.
“As a non-car driver and a cyclist, it is the bane of my life, the people who park on Southgate Street and block that cycle lane,” she said.
“It is dangerous. Especially when we are trying to encourage people to come through into the main cycle lane where it comes down towards The Cross.
“People parking and delivering to those shops just block the whole of the cycle lane and you are having to go out around them constantly.”
Cllr Wilson said the council could look into that with the enforcement contract.
He said he thought the general rule was they are allowed early in the morning.
“They are there all night,” chairman Andrew Gravells (C, Abbeydale) replied.
“I come into Shire Hall and North Warehouse that way. You’re talking about Spalite aren’t you?
“It’s lethal.”
Cllr Wilson agreed and said it is something they could build it into the contract.