The vast majority of town and city centres in the UK have rules in place to control where and how long people can leave their cars. In many cases, these regulations are enforced by those with parking attendant jobs. Without such people, motorists may attempt to get away with leaving their vehicles in inappropriate places.
However, one town that does not have individuals with parking enforcement jobs patrolling its streets, or indeed any parking restrictions for consumers to abide by, is Consett in County Durham, the Journal reports.But this situation may be about to change, the publication revealed. Shoppers have been struggling to find places to park in, meaning there may be a negative impact on local shops. Labour Durham County councillor for Consett North Clive Robson noted that the council has a fine balancing act to perform because bringing in charges may deter people from shopping in the area altogether.
He said: “This has been an issue in Consett for a long time now in that there is a shortage of parking places. We … want to consult with the traders on whether there needs to be some time limits imposed to encourage people to come into the town and then move on freeing up space.”
The councillor added that there are “major issues” in the area because there has been considerable regeneration in the town, attracting more consumers. Many of these people are seeking parking spaces.
A meeting is due to take place this month during which local groups, including the Derwent Valley Partnership, councillors and traders operating in the area, will discuss the issue. However, the local authority has revealed it is not planning to implement charges in the town, which is located next to the River Derwent on the edge of the Pennines.If time limits are brought in for motorists, people with parking attendant jobs may be required to impose the rules but it is not yet clear how many, if any, workers with parking enforcement jobs would be needed.