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Parking Issues Tackled

February 13, 2012 in Priory, St Leonard's

Following representations by Priory and St Leonard’s Labour county councillor Jill Owen, it has now been confirmed that parking on verges and pavements in Exeter is a civil parking offence. Motorists who do this will now face a fixed-penalty notice. This will be welcomed by pedestrians, particularly disabled people and parents with prams or buggies, who have complained about being forced to walk on the road to get round vehicles on the pavement.

Until the end of January, this was a matter which could only be dealt with by the police, whereas responsibility for other parking offences had passed to the County Council. This only led to confusion and inaction. Now civil enforcement officers (‘traffic wardens’ to most people) will be able to deal with motorists who choose to park on the pavement.

On a separate issue, thanks to Jill Owen and her Labour colleague Richard Westlake, the County Council is having to re-think its bodged introduction of dispensation parking permits for tradespeople in Exeter. Without consulting county councillors or warning the public, the County Council introduced a new scheme requiring trades-people to apply at least 24 hours in advance for a permit to park in residents’ only zones, which has caused anger and confusion in many parts of Exeter. Under the previous arrangement, tradespeople were only required to display a note saying which address they were visiting.

The leader of Devon County Council has admitted that the implementation of the scheme could have been handled better, so the Council is now looking at ways of improving the scheme.

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Improvements at Belle Isle Park

November 4, 2011 in St Leonard's

Local residents have long been aware of the need for better access to the park at the Salmon Pool Lane end, for people in wheelchairs or with pushchairs. The path was steep and had steps. It is a matter then of great celebration that the path has been completely changed by the city council and should now be accessible to all.

Jill says: “This park is a beautiful space for local residents to enjoy. There are lovely views of the river and beyond. It is especially fortunate now that it is open to everyone and I hope residents will make the most of this local resource. The city council is to be congratulated on the work that has been done here.”

Henry added, “Belle Isle Park is a hidden gem within our city and it’s a shame that due to poor access facilities not everyone can use it. With the completion of the ramp and an extra footpath soon to be opened more residents will be able to enjoy the beautiful park.”

 

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St Leonard’s Preschool

November 4, 2011 in St Leonard's

This very popular group is once again looking for a new home. It has been very pleased to be in the Deaf Academy building after struggling for many years in Roberts Road church hall. However, the Deaf Academy will be moving to a new site at Ringswell Avenue and the use of its present site is as yet unknown.

Jill is seeking assurance from the county council that the Preschool can be incorporated in any new build at St Leonards Primary School. This would be the ideal solution, but the uncertainty lies in the extra funding this would require.

Henry says, “The future of the Preschool is very important for the parents of St Leonard’s. The parents and their children deserve clarification on this issue and assurances that a venue nearby can be found as soon as possible.”

Jill says: “It is vital that we find a permanent home for the Preschool which is an invaluable resource for the local community. I will be making sure this is not forgotten by Devon County Council.”

 

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Salmon Pool Lane Parking Proposals

November 4, 2011 in St Leonard's

Cllr Jill Owen recently attended a site meeting in Salmon Pool Lane to consider the possibility of introducing pay and display at the section next to the Valley Park. This would enable motorists to park there during the day in order to use the park’s facilities. Unfortunately however, due to technical reasons associated with the Residents Parking Zone, it was decided not to go ahead with the proposal.

Jill says, “It was felt that the residents of Salmon Pool Lane would not have appreciated having an additional 24 signs and 500 metres of white or yellow paint in their road, necessitated by Pay and Display. This disadvantage would seem to out weigh the benefit to non residents.

It should also be pointed out that:

  • Anybody with genuine mobility disabilities will be eligible for a Blue Disabled Badge. This exempts vehicles from both the Residents Parking restriction and from the Single Yellow Line restriction (for a maximum of 3 hours). Therefore we are not disadvantaging those with genuine mobility difficulties.
  • Other users can still use the Limited Waiting bays on Salmon Pool Lane near to Topsham Road for up to an hour. During this time most able bodied adults should be able to walk 2 to 3 miles. It is approximately a half mile round trip from these bays to the end of Salmon Pool Lane.
  • Outside the hours of the restrictions all drivers are free to park either on the Single Yellow Line or within the Residents Zone. This gives options to those wishing to use the valley park in the evening or at weekends.

 

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