From the Project Manager

UPDATE ON PARKING ISSUES:

Residents have commented on the increased presence of parking control officers in Welwyn Village for the past couple of months.

Parking surveillance requested by Welwyn Parish Council, and organised by Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council, has been only 2 days a week for a long time.  There has been no request for an increase in surveillance from WPC, so one may only assume that this was instigated by WHBC.

A considerable number of tickets have been issued.  This in itself is not a bad thing if it discourages long-term parking on the High Street by those who could leave a car all day in Whitehill Car Park; and leaves space for residents to park during the permissible 1½ hour slot.

However, it may be that WHBC are looking again at changing Welwyn’s parking arrangements and/or introducing charges.  This would be a disaster for our High Street businesses and a great inconvenience for residents and visitors, who sustain the vibrant economy of our lovely village.  I will keep a close watch on the situation and will report further if there are any developments.

MEANWHILE, there have also been issues of parking tickets being issued in the Welwyn High Street car park to drivers who have parked in the narrow, undefined space at the bottom of it.  Welwyn Parish Council have agreed that, although not clearly defined as a parking space, there is no reason why cars should not park there.  In addition, there is no signage or marking of any kind to indicate that one should not park there.  WPC feel that optimum use should be made of the car park and that the smaller space can accommodate a small car or bike without problem.  THEREFORE, anyone who has been issued with a ticket for parking in that spot should definitely challenge the ticket.

PARKING AT WELWYN CIVIC CENTRE

In response to complaints from residents to Welwyn Parish Council about the lack of parking spaces at the Civic Centre for library users, WPC has decided to enforce the closure of the barrier at 23:00 nightly and, more importantly, not opening it until 09:30.  They hope this element of control will reduce the number of all-day parkers/commuters and will review the situation after two months.  Other options may be considered such as reserving certain spaces for Library users only and extending warden coverage to enforce.

PARKING IN LOCKLEYS DRIVE CAR PARK

The difficulty in parking in Lockleys is car park has been discussed in detail with WPC.  The issue is still under debate, primarily because any change to the existing conditions would be subject to a TRO (Traffic Regulation Order) and mandatory consultation; the cost of which would be approximately £10,000.

Suggestions have been to allocate half of the site for all-day parking and the other half with a time restriction, e.g. 3 hours.  The WPAG will update the website as and when any decisions are made.

ROADWORKS

Starting on Monday 15^th January, patch repair works commenced along the Codicote Road.  This is a temporary repair and I was advised by those doing the work that the road will be closed again sometime in the summer for a complete resurface.

The Highways Group put up diversion signs taking traffic a long way round to avoid the Codicote Road.  Although the diversion signs moved traffic away from Fulling Mill Lane locals, as well as trucks, vans and lorries, used Fulling Mill Lane as a cut-through resulting in traffic chaos, damage to gardens and verges, and many frayed tempers.

The episode has been brought to the attention of Herts County Council, with the request that, when the road is resurfaced in the summer, there needs to be a plan for the traffic management of Fulling Mill Lane.

Sandra Kyriakides

PROJECT MANAGER, WELWYN PLANNING AND AMENITY GROUP

Tel : 07802 725423