By Jamie Waller, Local Democracy Reporter
It should be quicker and easier for residents to start parking schemes in their neighbourhoods, a review has recommended.
Nottinghamshire County Council has published recommendations on how the process could be streamlined, which also include making the facts and requirements clearer.
The proposals, which will be discussed next week, include reducing the time of public consultation with local residents from four weeks to 21 days.
Approved schemes would also be implemented as soon as possible, rather than waiting for a twice-yearly report, saving up to six months.
The cross-party review was set up after members of the Place Select Committee felt the rules were in need of updating.
Councillors suggest that the rules for setting up a residents’ parking scheme are made clearer on the council website, so that residents have a better understanding of fees and timelines.
Residents interested in setting one up will also be encouraged to work with residents and their county councillor to gauge support.
When residents ask to start a scheme, council officers carry out informal consultation of the surrounding streets. A response rate of 35 per cent is required, with at least 65 per cent in favour, for the scheme to proceed.
Parking schemes are used where there is high demand for on-street parking, often in town and city centres.
There are currently 30 schemes across Nottinghamshire, covering a total of 474 streets.
Drivers without a permit can pick up and drop off, but cannot leave their cars in the zone.
Each permit costs £40 per year, which the council says is used to administer the scheme and doesn’t produce any revenue.
Residents can propose creating a new scheme, as well as removing or modifying an existing one.
The recommendations will be brought before the Place Select Committee next week (Wednesday, September 18), and will then be sent to Cabinet if approved.