Action is being taken to solve the growing problem of cars being parked in part of one of Lancaster’s historic precincts – but changes are potentially bad news for motorcyclists.
Complaints from businesses in Sir Simon’s Arcade in the city centre have led Lancaster City Council and Lancashire County Council to bring enforcement action against vehicles being parked in the area.
The area is a designated car free zone but enforcement action has been limited up to now due to the interpretation of the rules about parking enforcement. This has meant that because of a long standing practice that allows motorcycles to park on Sir Simon’s Arcade, no enforcement action could be taken against other motorists.
A solution has now been agreed and formal enforcement against any vehicles parked in the area will start on 2nd April.
In the intervening period motorists will be advised that they should not use the area for parking.
Councillor Tim Hamilton-Cox, cabinet member with responsibility for parking at Lancaster City Council, said: “Cars and other vehicles should not be parking illegally here and I’m glad that a way forward has been found to enforce restrictions.
“The current free-for-all causes a nuisance to businesses, creates a safety concern and makes it difficult for pedestrians to walk through the area, particularly those with prams or wheelchairs.
“This is a really good example of the city and county councils working together to resolve an issue that is causing problems for people making their way in the city centre.”
Unfortunately, as a consequence of the laws surrounding the classification of vehicles, this will also mean that motorcycles will no longer be able to park in Sir Simon’s Arcade. This arrangement also applies to the parking facilities in Lower Church Street outside St Nicholas Arcades Car Park and the traffic island in the north-west corner of Dalton Square.
However, there is ample free parking for motorcycles at the nearby Market Gate Shopping Centre Car Park and in St Nicholas Arcades Car Park. Free parking is also available on all city council pay and display car parks. Additionally motorcycle parking is available at Parksafe which is open 24 hours per day and provides guaranteed security.
Further information on all these facilities can be found at www.lancaster.gov.uk/parking