Discs Could Be The Solution To Parking Problems

WHEN residents parking in Ely has been debated at district council meetings, I have argued that Ely residents should be treated at least as equally as workers, some of whom have been granted permits to park before 8.30am in the long-stay car parks even

WHEN residents' parking in Ely has been debated at district council meetings, I have argued that Ely residents should be treated at least as equally as workers, some of whom have been granted permits to park before 8.30am in the long-stay car parks even if they come from other counties.

The council has introduced a maximum stay of 90 minutes between 8am and 10am to deter rail commuters, and this helps shoppers and workers find parking spaces. Commuters also now have the new Angel Drove car park.

However, to refuse permits to residents who do not have any parking space on their property and parking restrictions outside them, is discriminatory.

Those who drive to work outside Ely are not affected, since they will leave before 9.30am. Nor are those who live and work in Ely for a rate-paying business, since they can obtain a permit. The self-employed and retired are mostly affected. They must pointlessly move their cars between 8.30am and 9.30am, and back again later.

If residents cannot have permits, discs could be a solution. They could place them on their dashboards between 8.30am and 9.30am and remove them later on. This would prove that they are not commuters and would dispense with having to move their cars. It would still be a slight imposition, but they would probably wish to check their cars twice a day. It will save them time and fuel and reduce congestion and pollution.

CLLR DR ROBERT STEVENS

Bottisham Ward