Shoppers join call for free parking
A petition calling for free parking for shoppers at weekends has attracted hundreds of signatures in just two weeks.
Traders in Newark town centre want loading bays to be freed up for short-stay parking on Saturdays and Sundays.
They say it is a simple change that would attract more shoppers and mean fewer people driving to out-of-town centres with free parking.
Parking restrictions currently apply to the bays seven-days-a-week even though there are no deliveries at weekends.
The petition, supported by the Advertiser, has been circulated around town-centre businesses.
Mr Darren Burke, the manager of Masdings and Oxygen, on Middlegate, said: “There has been lots of support. Around 40 people have signed it in here and other businesses have had plenty of support as well.
“In total hundreds of people will have signed it.”
Mr Andrew Hind, the owner of Sibley’s Butchers, on Kirkgate, said 160 people signed the petition in his shop.
“I have got two full ones and I am starting another one,” he said.
“Everyone is very much behind it. I am pleased to hear that the council is supporting the idea to look at providing spaces on a Sunday, but from my point of view I would like to see it on Saturdays as well.”
Mr Adam Rushton, the owner of Rushton’s Bistro, on Stodman Street, said he supported the idea and would also like to see more parking provision in the evening, possibly including using the Market Place.
“Part of the problem at the moment is that it is policed too aggressively,” he said.
“I have even seen cars with disabled badges getting tickets. That frightens people off.”
The petition will be presented to a meeting of Newark Business Club on April 26 in a bid to get even more backing.
Nottinghamshire County Council’s traffic manager, Mr Peter Goode, has said changes will be looked at if there is enough support for the idea.
One of Newark’s county councillors, Mr Keith Girling, has asked the highways department to look into making the change.
Newark and Sherwood District Council has said it would support a review of the parking policy on Sundays.
