Permit scheme to tackle parking woes in parts of Blackpool's tourism area

Plans to introduce residents only parking in parts of South Shore are a step closer.
Coun Derek Robertson on Osborne RoadCoun Derek Robertson on Osborne Road
Coun Derek Robertson on Osborne Road

Waterloo councillors Derek Robertson and David O’Hara have been battling for several years for measures to be introduced in Osborne Road and Withnell Road.

An official order for the scheme will be published today as part of public consultation by the council for the proposals.

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Councillors say the streets are clogged with cars belonging to day-trippers and workers from nearby attractions.

It means residents and business owners in the area cannot park near their properties, particularly at peak times.

Coun Robertson said: “A lot of residents have been asking for residents only parking for seven years or more.

“It will stop day trippers and people working at nearby places including the Pleasure Beach, Sandcastle and Velvet Coaster from parking in these streets and give residents more chance to park outside their homes.

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“People are also worried parking is going to get even more difficult in this area when the new Hampton by Hilton hotel opens.”

The parking restrictions could be adopted some time after the end of May if given the final go ahead.

Coun O’Hara (below) said: “We’ve been trying to get something done for about seven years.

“People come to Blackpool, park up and have a picnic at the side of their car and they’re not spending any money here.

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“And in the meantime residents can’t park, so something needs doing.”

The new zone would link up with Brighton Avenue and Windsor Avenue which already have residents only parking.

Residents have previously been consulted, with 75 per cent saying they wanted some kind of permit introduced.

It had been hoped to introduce measures last year, but the process was delayed.