Towns could get resident permits in controversial South Norfolk parking scheme

A controversial scheme to introduce resident parking permits could come into force after people have raised concerns about struggling to park near their homes.

South Norfolk District Council (SNDC) is in talks with a number of town and parish councils across the region offering to help fund a solution to any on-street parking issues.

Particular areas of concern include Trowse, Diss and Wymondham, where commuters often park on the street for free to access the city, train stations and other amenities such as the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

SNDC cabinet member Lisa Neal said: 'There are a number of areas in the district where residents are having problems being able to park near their houses.

'Introducing a Parking Scheme is not a cheap, quick or simple process and there's a fair amount of surveying and legal work to be done and a consultation is required.

'We recognise it's unlikely that Parish Councils would have the resources to do this themselves, so, we are offering to help with money, time and resources to help solve residents' parking problems.'

Residents permits would enforce restrictions on the time anyone could park on a particular stretch of road unless they were in possession of a permit, which would only be available to those who live there.

This would then protect the on-street spaces, keeping them free for those who live nearby.

In order to highlight which areas would benefit from such a scheme SNDC has agreed to jointly fund surveys and consultations which would be required to bring the scheme forward.

The results would then be presented to the Norfolk Parking Partnership, who act on behalf of Norfolk County Council as the Highways Authority, to approve before being taken forward to potential implementation.

Mrs Neal added: 'This is a time-limited offer that's made on the basis that we'd hope to work on the problem areas all together. Doing them all at once means we can do it at a lower cost and that benefits everyone.

If you live in South Norfolk and feel your village has a problem with on-street parking, please contact your town or parish council and share your experience.