PLANS to allocate 21 car parking spaces for residents of Bridgnorth’s Riverside are to go out to public consultation.
The Shropshire County Council proposals, for permits for the stretch of road on the High Town side of the river also include extended 40-minute restrictions for other motorists.
It drew mixed comments from town councillors on Tuesday. Peter Randle, chairman of the Cartway, Friar Street and Riverside Residents’ Association, told the council that there was virtually nowhere to park on the Riverside and the permits would be a bonus for those with no garaging.
But Councillor Jennifer Durham warned that the move could open the floodgates for similar requests from other parts of the town. “You don’t just stop tourism, but businesses and other people,” she added.
Councillor Iain Seivewright said he had great reservations over the scheme because of the insufficient time that it allowed for visitors to walk into the town and back to their cars.
But Councillor Christian Lea said he did not think tourists would drive along the Riverside to look for parking.
“There should be better signage directing visitors to car parks,” he said. “There have also been times when camper vans have been parked on Riverside for a week.
“I support this extra parking which could be policed by the residents,” said Councillor Adrian Tacchi. “If it needs to be tweaked later on we can look at any adjustments.”
Councillor Val Gill suggested that a park and ride scheme be introduced for the town. The council will be making a formal submission to the county council at a later stage.