Parking permits for Hawkenbury

Residents on roads around Hawkenbury Village have started receiving letters from Tunbridge Wells Borough Council about a further consultation on the proposed implementation of parking permits, single and double yellow lines in the area. These measures are being implemented to improve the flow of traffic in the area and counter the ongoing parking issues from people working in the area, in particular, employees from AXA.

A preliminary consultation was carried out last year and presented to the Council’s Joint Transportation Board in February. Work has continued since then on the possibility of waiting restrictions in the area.

The full report is available online: www.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/JTBfeb16

Taking the views expressed by Residents and members into account, a proposal has been drafted for restrictions throughout the Hawkenbury area and the council would initially welcome input before moving to the next stage, which is a formal consultation on specific proposals.

At this point in the process, the council can more readily accommodate changes whereas, once they move into the formal part of a consultation, the options are largely limited to acceptance or rejection, with only limited scope for amendment.

Because there was not overwhelming support for a resident parking scheme in Hawkenbury as a whole the council have tried to reflect the views given on a road by road basis as far as possible. Below is a summary of what restrictions are proposed for each road. A map detailing the proposals can be found on the online consultation at: http://consult.tunbridgewells.gov.uk/public/ts/ps/hawk

Any views you may have at this stage should be included in the comments form on the link above and it would be appreciated if you could identify which road you live in or, if you prefer to write, please send write to Nick Baldwin at Parking Services, Town Hall, Tunbridge Wells, Kent TN1 1 RS. Please submit your comments by 4th November 2016.

Here is the list of affected roads in the Hawkenbury Village area.

Proposed Restrictions

Permit Parking – This would take the form of parking bays with parking restricted to permit holders only during specified hours. It is currently intended that these should be 10–12 noon and 2–4pm. At all other times, there would be no restriction. This type of restriction is widely used in the town centre and has the effect of preventing long term parking whilst still allowing visitors to the area to stop outside the restricted period. Permit prices are currently set at £60/year with visitor permits also being available.

Single Yellow Line – This would prevent parking during specified hours, most probably the same period as the permit parking restriction and would also prevent long term parking but have no exemption for residents. This is more appropriate in roads where residential properties have off-street parking and the main aim is to stop roads being used by commuters and local workers. This type of restriction is also simpler and cheaper to install and operate than permit parking bays.

Double Yellow Line – This is always a complete prohibition on waiting with limited exemptions for loading, unloading and picking up/setting down passengers. Blue badge holders are also allowed to park for up to three hours.

Once the council have your comments, any well supported changes will, if appropriate, be made to the proposal and a formal consultation commenced. That will involve giving a statutory period of notice of the intention to make a traffic regulation order covering the new restrictions. Any objections will be considered prior to the making of an order and implementation of new restrictions.

If you require any further information please contact the Parking Services on 01892 554091 or email them on parking.services@tunbridgewells.gov.uk.