Halstead Town Council backs idea for Colne Road parking permits

The council said a resident of Colne Road had made “several requests” to improve the parking situation down the street.

The road is a main one in the town, providing access to both the Ramsey Academy and Halstead Leisure Centre.

Mitigating measures to tackle parking woes include resident parking permits and traffic calming measures as there are “frequent near misses and minor damage to cars”.

A council agenda says: “The decision (for parking permits for residents) rests with the North Essex Parking Partnership (NEPP), and it is more likely to be supported if there is general agreement among residents that they would all like this to happen.

“Costs to residents are £62 per annum in the first year, and £100 per annum thereafter.

“Such a project is more likely to succeed if it has the support of the council, and would in fact need the direct support of the ward councillor.

“Traffic calming measures such as speed bumps and speed limits would be introduced by Essex Highways but would have to go first to the Local Highways Panel.”

Another possibility investigated was allowing residents of Colne Road to be allowed parking spaces at the back of their terraced houses with access across the rugby pitch.

The town council looked into the possibilities and discussed the saga at its latest meeting.

Councillor Malcolm Fincken said he doesn’t believe the parking permits are going to happen.

Councillor Andy Munday suggested the council supports it, but noted it was up to residents to contact the NEPP.

“If the residents want to try, let them try,” said town mayor and councillor Jackie Pell.

Councillors agreed to support the idea of resident parking permits in Colne Road if it receives the support of the residents.

However, councillors objected to the possibility of traffic calming measures and providing parking accessible across the rugby pitch, saying it would “seriously interfere” with the functioning of Courtaulds Sports Ground.