Castletown parking changes put on hold

Commissioner wants further consultation

Changes to off-street parking in Castletown won't be implemented until next year to allow residents time to comment on the proposals. 

This week (7 May) the town's local authority voted to postpone the alterations, following a motion raised by commissioner Jerry Ludford-Brooks.

He pushed for the delay over concerns the public weren't fully aware of how the commissioners' plan to change parking in the town.

It comes despite Mr Ludford-Brooks previously voting in favour of the changes, which include new restrictions and charges on certain car parks.

Further consultation with residents will be held between now and April 2020, by which time the local authority intends to implement a new parking order. 

What changes are Castletown Commissioners proposing?

• Two-hour free parking (four hours for blue badge holders) at the Grammar School, Malew Street, and George Paddock spaces, with a £1 charge for the rest of the day.
• Grammar School car park to remain free on a Sunday.
• Cars parked at Barracks Square and Farrant's Way restricted to a 30 minute stop.
• Allocated parking won't be offered to new applicants, bar blue badge holders, members of on-call emergency services, or those with a 'justifiable need'.
• Existing users will be written to with renewal options
• Weekly (£5) and annual (£250) permits made available, with all funds from sales set aside for investment in parking and active travel infrastructure. 
• Scratch-card books issued for daily parking. 

Local Democracy Reporter Ewan Gawne asked Mr Ludford-Brooks why he saw fit to delay the changes: