Motion calls for overhaul to parking permit rules

Peterborough could see a new city-wide residential parking scheme if proposals put forward by a councillor are backed.

A motion from Asim Mahmood, Conservative city councillor for North Ward, is calling for an investigation into a wider permit system to consider measures to ease pressure on on-street residential parking and address concerns about commercial vehicles being parked outside homes.

The full council meeting on Wednesday will look at whether there is proven demand.

A member of the ruling Labour-led coalition warned that any widespread permit zoning would not be "straightforward to implement".

The proposals include requiring vehicles parked in participating areas to be registered to a residential address, with households potentially eligible for up to four resident permits.

Asim Mahmood is a Conservative councillor for North Ward [Asim Mahmood]

The motion also calls for options to prevent residential streets being used for the routine parking or storage of commercial vehicle fleets.

Exemptions would be considered for residents who keep work vehicles at home, as well as carers and delivery drivers.

Council officers said the local authority already operated resident parking schemes in parts of the city, with most households eligible for up to three permits for themselves and one visitor permit.

While officers identified potential options for restricting larger commercial vehicles in permit zones, they said there was currently limited evidence of widespread issues involving commercial vehicle storage.

Peterborough City Council is run by a Labour-led coalition with Liberal Democrat and Peterborough First councillors.

Christian Hogg, Liberal Democrat Cabinet Member for Regulatory Services and Enforcement, said he was "disappointed" Mahmood had not approached him to discuss and explore options before putting in a motion.

"It's quite a complex thing they are asking for. A lot of work will be needed to see what is achievable and what is not," he said.

"If we introduce parking permits all across the city, there will be a number of residents that will find it restrictive to park outside their houses, so the motion is not going to be straightforward to implement."

The full council meets at Fletton Quays on Wednesday.

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