About:
Stockbridge Parish Council are working in conjunction with Test Valley Borough Council, Hampshire County Council, local schools and traders to determine solutions to the parking issues we are currently facing in Stockbridge.
Background:
One of the hottest topics in Stockbridge for many years has been parking.
We are very fortunate to have a wide High Street where residents and visitors can freely park with relative ease. This has undoubtedly contributed to the continuing success of Stockbridge as a thriving shopping and services centre.
However, this success has its down sides.
A number of new businesses have opened in Stockbridge over the last couple of years and existing businesses have made significant investment. In essence, Stockbridge has received a "make over".
Although this is good for the community, Stockbridge remains reliant on a finite parking resource despite a marked increase in visitors. A visit to Stockbridge on a busy sunny weekend will confirm the scale of the parking problem.
As business flourishes and more houses are built, more public parking spaces are being consumed by staff, residents and their guests. There is now inadequate parking provision for residential and commercial use in Stockbridge.
Residents are finding it increasingly difficult to park on the High Street and along New Street especially during normal business hours. Some will postpone trips for concern of not being able to park on their return.
As parking is limited and reliant on the judgement of those parking, evidence of poor or dangerous parking is becoming increasingly prevalent.
A comprehensive report has been prepared by Stockbridge Parish Council highlighting the parking issues Stockbridge faces and a plan for resolution. Following this report, the parking issues have now been uniformly recognised by the Parish Council, Test Valley Borough Council, Hampshire County Council, traders and schools.
A project has been launched with representatives from all interested parties working together to find and implement the best balanced solution to suit residents, services, traders and visitors.