End in sight for irresponsible parking at SK bus stations

Car drivers could soon be fined for flouting the rules and parking in areas designated for buses at Grantham, Stamford and Bourne bus stations.

It comes as part of a proposed review of the Council’s Off-Street Parking Order which regulates how parking areas operated by South Kesteven District Council are used.

A raft of changes is being tabled at SKDC’s Cabinet meeting next Tuesday (11th), which will also include restrictions on parking in electric vehicle charging bays, and introduce a waiting limit to open up Stamford Leisure Pool spaces to more users.

There are no changes to fees or charges included in the proposals.

Council Leader Cllr Richard Cleaver said: “We are aware of irresponsible parking, particularly at Stamford Bus Station.

“However, the Council currently lacks sufficient powers to deal with it as effectively as we would like because the bus stations are not included in the current off-street parking order.

“We are about to vote on some changes to the rules and regulations to restrict car parking in the wrong areas and allow bus drivers to do their job more easily, allowing authorised vehicles only.

“In the meantime, I would appeal to drivers to use the designated car parks in the town and not park on the bus station, as this is preventing tourist coaches from stopping off in the town when they can’t park there.”

A new four-hour maximum parking period at Stamford Leisure Pool would be introduced to ensure that spaces are available for pool users. All day parking by non-leisure centre users is impacting on availability for genuine visitors. 

There would also be a clampdown on non-electric vehicles parking in electric vehicle parking bays across the district.

The changes overall will bring SKDC’s regulations in line with revised legislation and if agreed would go out for public consultation before implementation.

Dedicated parking spaces for disabled people are already provided in each of the Council’s pay and display car parks, although Blue Badge holders may also park in any other unmarked space. No parking charge is levied for Blue Badge holders.