Parking charge move to unclog roads around Staffordshire Technology Park
On-street charges to combat ‘bumper-to-bumper’ parking around Stafford’s biggest business park are still on the cards.
Staffordshire County Council today said the introduction of charges on Dyson Way, which surrounds Staffordshire Technology Park, is being considered after the plans were first suggested last year.
It is claimed the measure, which would cost £40,000 to introduce, could solve the issue of vehicles blocking the road for work vans and the emergency services.
Cars park on kerbs on both sides of the road and firms, such as infrastructure support company Amey, are forced to put up cones around their site entrances.
Helen Fisher, cabinet support member for highways and transport, said: “We have had complaints that cars park bumper to bumper on both sides of the road and right up to the junction with Beaconside and it’s often difficult for a light goods van to get through, let alone an emergency vehicle.
“We have been looking at suitable options and are now considering the next step.”
Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce chief executive Sara Williams said: "These charges may contribute to easier management of traffic flow for businesses on and around the park and could allow for these firms to welcome new clients and contacts as the business park will be more accessible.
“However, this change could have a detrimental part to play for employees who will have to find alternative places to park or inherit these increased costs.
“This could impact on the retention of talent in the area and attitudes towards working in Stafford as a whole.”
Nearby residents also fear it will have a knock-on effect on their streets.
Clare Brown, spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service, said: “When ambulances have blue lights and sirens on motorists will pull over to let our vehicles go past but if there are parked vehicles on both sides of a road, it leaves little room for motorists to manoeuvre out of the way, which could mean we’re delayed reaching an emergency or conveying a seriously ill patient to hospital.”
Other firms at the site include Stafford and Rural Homes and Allied Healthcare.
