Story: Michelle Cook
Residents living near to the Northern General Hospital have expressed their frustration at the lack of action being taken about the street parking in the area.
Chris Blackett, a resident for 50 years, told the Messenger that the problems had been going on for two years, ever since the Northern General introduced parking fees for staff. Deliveries and emergency services struggled to get through Crabtree Road, as did Hallam Rock's contract cleaners and gardeners. Some disabled residents can’t park near enough to their homes, despite having white lines painted on the road.
A local resident of 45 years, Mr Middleton, expressed his annoyance at the lack of consultation with local residents. He said the main problems facing them were that visitors to their home, traders and delivery drivers could not park and, if they go out, they are not able to access their driveway or garage due to parked cars. He said:
“People are struggling to sell their properties as a direct result of vendors encountering parking problems.”
Suggestions from residents have included:
Parking time restrictions on Norwood Road, Crabtree Road and surrounding areas at the times worst affected.
Yellow lines down one side of Crabtree Road
The residents have organised themselves and had regular meetings with the hospital management, the council and the police. Local councillors at the Area Panel meeting on 12th June 2008 heard that a local consultation exercise was now being conducted. There has also been a travel plan and plans for a multi-storey car park. However, there has been no immediate solution. Residents now intend to petition the Council at the next scrutiny board.