08 February 2012Residents, local businesses and drivers are being asked their opinions on proposals to increase on-street parking and loading areas in Sevenoaks town centre.
The Council is planning to make additional parking spaces available following the temporary closure of the Waitrose multi-storey car park.
It is proposed that the temporary parking spaces outside of WH Smith, set up during recent utility road works, be reintroduced as 10 new pay and display parking bays. These spaces would be free to blue-badge holders. At present, this area has restrictions preventing parking during the daytime.
Loading restrictions are proposed on the east side of the High Street, as vehicles parked in this area can cause an obstruction leading to considerable traffic delays.
The existing taxi rank in the High Street has been underused for some time. By reducing the taxi rank to two spaces and increasing the number of public parking spaces it is more likely that the rank will be correctly observed and available to taxis. This will also allow for four additional pay and display spaces outside Lorimers, providing more opportunities for short-term parking.
It is proposed that existing parking restrictions across the entrance to Akehurst Lane are altered to apply to all times so that access is maintained.
A final proposal is to create two new loading areas on the High Street to assist local businesses and retailers.
Details of the High Street parking proposals can be viewed on this website at the Council's Sevenoaks offices during opening times.
The public have until 29 August to comment on the proposals. Comments should be in writing and sent to Sevenoaks District Council, Argyle Road, Sevenoaks, Kent, TN13 1HG, or e-mailed to transportation@sevenoaks.gov.uk, quoting reference '2009 Amendment 13'.
Cllr Gary Williamson, Sevenoaks District Council's Cabinet member with responsibility for parking, says: "By making relatively modest changes to High Street parking restrictions, we hope to provide an additional 14 parking spaces for visitors, additional loading areas and improve flow of traffic. We're keen to hear the views of shoppers, local businesses and drivers on the proposals and I would urge them to contact us by the 29 August deadline."
