A new residents' parking scheme is set to be introduced on Barrow Island in 1 October.
Aimed at prioritising and improving on-street parking for residents, Barrow Island will be split into two separate parking areas – Zone A and Zone B. Both zones will include disc zones and resident permit-only areas. There will also be designated disabled bays.
Cllr Peter Thornton, Cabinet member for Highways and ICT, said: "The council has worked with residents, local members and others to develop this scheme to alleviate parking issues in the area. It was really encouraging to see so many residents engaging with the initial engagement and formal consultation and I am sure they will see a difference. Listening to people's issues and views and finding solutions is what we are all about and I am delighted that we have been able to do that here."
Resident permit-only areas will only be able to be used by permit holders. Only Zone A permit holders will be able to park in Zone A and only Zone B permit holders in Zone B.
The disc zones will allow free parking for a limited time and residents have been sent clock discs through the post. Each eligible property on Barrow Island can also apply for two registration-specific vehicle permit and one visitor permit.
The scheme follows requests from local elected members and community groups regarding parking issues on Barrow Island area and Old Barrow and Hindpool councillors Dave Cassidy and Anne Burns worked with residents and officers towards introducing the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO).
Cllr Cassidy said “A public consultation was undertaken and we are delighted that this is finally being put into operation beginning October 1st. It has taken a lot of work but hopefully this will help ease the parking for residents.”
Cllr Burns said: "This parking scheme has been developed after consulting and listening to residents, and councillors will now monitor the roll-out and look forward to working with the residents over the next few months."
The council undertook a review of the existing parking restrictions to identify potential improvements. Options were then developed and presented during an informal consultation and drop-in session, allowing residents and local businesses to provide feedback.
The preferred option then went through formal consultation with residents and stakeholders as part of the TRO process. New signs and road markings are being installed now and will indicate the new restrictions.
Furness Locality Board chairman, Cllr Tony Callister, said he recognised the huge amount of work undertaken by local ward members to get this position formulated and that the scheme would help to alleviate the concerns surrounding parking on Barrow Island.