Information on Loughborough

Loughborough University Parking Chaos Predicted

Posted on 01/08/2008
P. Klein

car parking

Max Hunt, County Councillor for North West Loughborough has warned that parking around the university will become more chaotic in October, despite a year of talks.

“Residents have been promised a serious response to the traffic chaos which is generated on Garendon Road and other roads in term time, but, he says, we are destined to see more chaotic university parking next October”.

There are no prospect of fast track residents parking schemes put forward by County.  The University are taking unilateral action by proposing to patrol New Ashby Road, Ashby Crescent and Cotswold Close but even if this works their action can only shift the problem to neighbouring roads.

Meanwhile Borough Planners and the University have agreed a “no car” policy for students living in the newly completed Halls on Ashby Road.  “Whilst this moves chimes with the times, speaking at the latest University Liaison meeting with other councillors, Cllr Hunt told the university, residents are left wondering how the university is going to handle complaints from residents about abuse.

Cllr Hunt predicts that more students will bring cars into the town than ever before because alternatives are not being promoted.  Many students feel they need a car to use supermarkets, others go home regularly.  He believes, without a more joined up policy serving students as well as staff and residents further damage will be done to the good reputation of the university.  He will be meeting residents of Garendon Road and Garendon Green on 6th August 2008.

The latest report from the County Council is too little too late.  There are no proposals for residents parking areas.  “Residents, who have received copies of the County’s report have called it ‘feeble’ and ‘mystifying’ that the problems are not being taken sufficiently seriously or with enough urgency.

Additional Information: County Council Findings

 

West Loughborough Parking Study Table of Initial Observations and Actions

 

Study Focal Point

Initial Observations

Initial Actions

Herrick Road

Frequent high density on-street parking. Existing waiting restriction has good compliance no basis for additional waiting restrictions.  Possible benefits from entrance markings, therefore propose to offer discounted rate. Could be considered for Residents Preference Permit Scheme but further study needed to confirm that displacement is attributed to non-resident parking

Residents to be offered discounted entrance markings

Outwoods Drive Area

Currently processing TRO to introduce waiting restrictions in vicinity of Forest Road.  On-street parking not heavy, except at Forest Road junction. Some parking on footways where parking takes place on opposing sides of road.  No evidence of restrictions for resident parking.  Not suitable for Residents Preference Permit Scheme but following monitoring of TRO outcome, further parking restrictions could be considered to discourage parking on both sides and therefore obstruction of footways.  Some on-street parking is desirable to control vehicle speeds and discourage use of the route as a rat-run.  No noted evidence of entrance obstruction but could offer discounted entrance markings.

Current Waiting Restriction TRO to be implemented

 

Further monitoring

Coniston Crescent

Part of area currently covered by