Hertfordshire Liberal Democrats Say Pickles’ Plan for Double Yellow Parking is “Crack-pot”

Responding to Eric Pickles' proposals to free parking for shoppers on double yellow lines, Cllr Stephen Giles-Medhurst, Liberal Democrat Opposition Leader on Herts County Council and Highways Spokesperson said:

"Double yellow lines are there to keep people safe, keep traffic Moving, and reduce congestion at key locations. They have been put in as a result of Traffic Regulation Orders that have been consulted upon and indeed agreed with Police and public for that very purpose.

"Removing parking restrictions on these parts of the road could jeopardise the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and other motorists and create further traffic jams. A 15-minute perod for parking would also be costly and impractical to monitor. It would almost mean a Traffic Warden at every yellow line location all day to stop being this misused.

"Drivers are all well aware that double yellow lines mean no parking. Suggesting such exceptions is a silly and stupid way to try and bring in more shoppers. Frankly I would call it a crack-pot idea and more suited as an April Fool joke than a summer one!

There are much better ways to draw more shoppers to the high street, but these need to be decided locally by people who know the area and can take into account the concerns and needs of local shoppers, residents and businesses. The more government tries to intervene, the less flexibility local authorities have to support local businesses and high streets."

And Tring County Councillor Nick Hollinghurst added, "A far better idea would be some free time in council car parks near shops. In Tring the Liberal Democrats have fought hard over the years to preserve our town centre first hour free and in Liberal Democrat-run Three Rivers' they have brought in a policy of between 20 minutes and two hours free parking in town and village centres. This approach is safe, simple and appreciated by shoppers."