New Clearway plans to keep beauty spot lanes safe
Temporary restrictions on parking around some of Buckinghamshire’s beauty spots are planned next month (June) as coronavirus lockdown rules are lifted.
Some visitor attractions are fed by narrow roads, and the aim of the parking restrictions – in the form of a 24-hour Rural Clearway – is to keep them clear of parked cars for the safety of emergency vehicles, key workers and essential deliveries.
With the easing of lockdown rules about travel, leisure and exercise, narrow roads around Black Park, Langley Park, Denham Country Park,and Dorney Reach in the south of the county, have become clogged with visitors’ cars, says David Martin, Buckinghamshire Council Cabinet Member for Logistics. The problem also affects approaches to the Stockgrove entrance to Rushmere Country Park in the north-east of the county.
Patrols recorded parking increases around some beauty spots to as high as 70% of pre-lockdown levels.
“During these difficult times most drivers have been parking considerately,” said David. “But as more and more people get out and about in their cars, we want to control the risk of dangerous and inconsiderate parking, so that the way is clear for our emergency services to get through, and to keep traffic flowing.”
Roads affected by the planned Rural Clearway rules include Rowley Lane, Black Park Road, Fulmer Common Road, Billet Lane and Bellswood Lane, in the Iver area; Denham Court Lane, Denham; Court Lane and Marsh Lane, near Dorney Reach; and Brickhill Road, Heath & Reach.
Meanwhile, Buckinghamshire Council’s relaxation on parking on-street and in council car parks continues. The amnesty includes parking on single yellow lines, in limited waiting areas and in pay-and-display bays. The change was made to help support local communities, businesses, key workers and volunteers.
David urged residents to make use of the free car parks, to help keep roads clear, but reminded residents these don’t include country park car parks. He also warned motorists to expect a warning notice if they overstayed a limited time parking bay, to ensure fair play for all drivers.
Some restrictions were not lifted during this time – disabled parking bays, pedestrian clearways and double yellow lines, for the public’s safety. Buckinghamshire Council has seen an increase in abuse of these restrictions and will continue to issue Penalty Charge Notices.
“With more cars on the road now, we need to make sure we are considerate with our parking,” he said. Parking patrols, he added, would continue to deal with improper parking, obstruction, parking on double yellow lines, and persistent congestion in residential areas.
