Thank you for your interest in this story
To continue reading this article, sign up today to unlock exclusive content and be part of our community discussions
- Exclusive discounts
- Enjoy commenting on local issues
Already a subscriber? Log in here.
10
Mar 2020
Call for urgent action on parking gains full Ripon City Council support
Ripon City Council unanimously supports a petition, calling on Harrogate Borough Council to take urgent action and provide more parking in the city to help it cope with the building of 2,000 new homes.
Among those supporting the petition, raised by City Councillor Peter Horton, is City, district and county councillor Mike Chambers, who is the Borough Council Cabinet Member for Housing and Safer Communities.
The petition, which has already been signed by more than 2,100 people, including residents, retailers and visitors, was unanimously endorsed by councillors in a recorded vote taken at last night’s Ripon City Council meeting.
Cllr Horton points out that provision of on-street and off-street parking in Ripon has not increased for more than 50 years and in that time, car ownership and use has vastly increased, resulting in more congestion and competition for spaces available.
"Inconvenience and congestion"
Parish and district councillor Pauline McHardy, says: “I have been working with Councillor Horton to gather signatures from residents, retailers and visitors, who are concerned about the extra pressure on parking spaces that new housing developments bring.”
She adds: “You only need to come into the city centre on market days, to discover how on-street and car park spaces are at a premium. As well as causing inconvenience and congestion, people, including tourists who are vital to the economy of our fine city, who can’t find a parking space, will go to other places where they can. That’s bad news for Ripon.”
Councillor Chambers says: “As a democratic principle I support a petition going to Harrogate Borough Council for consideration.
“There are parking issues that have existed in Ripon for many years and we need to look at all options, including the government’s move towards more sustainable transport and reduction of emissions through electric vehicles, encouraging more cycling and walking in city centres and also community transport initiatives that serve rural areas.”
Photograph courtesy Mike Wells/Yan, Hear & Now
1