PETERSFIELD workers, who have been campaigning to prevent yellow lines appearing on roads near the town centre, can claim a victory this week.
County councillor John West announced at a meeting of the town council on Monday night that the proposed parking restrictions in Weston Road would not be imposed.
Residents in the area had complained that workers were parking outside their homes and blocking the way for emergency vehicles. It was also claimed that the cars were obstructing residentsÕ drives.
But Mr West said that introducing yellow lines on the road would be like Òusing a sledgehammer to crack a nutÓ.
When news of the proposed parking restrictions was released last year, local shop worker Matt Davidson told The Herald he would not be able to afford pay-and-display charges. He said it would force him to leave his job.
In response to the plans, Mr Davidson began a campaign to stop the traffic regulation order. This sparked a huge parking debate, highlighted in The Herald, involving people from all sides of the town.
On Monday night it was announced that yellow lines will not stop workers parking in Weston Road. Mr Davidson said he is delighted and feels it is a victory for workers in Petersfield.
At the town council meeting Mr West described how he had investigated the situation in Weston Road, Herne Road and Heath Road West.
He also explained what the revised plans would mean for workers and residents.
He said: ÒI have walked round the area with traffic officers from the county councilÕs traffic section.
ÒWe looked at the situation and agreed that when both sides of the road are being taken up by cars emergency vehicles can still pass quite easily. I think the concerns for access were a little exaggerated.
ÒA fire engine can pass when cars are parked either side of Weston Road.Ó
Mr West said driveways to properties in the road will be protected by yellow lines.
He said: ÒThe entrances to properties will be protected enough so that drivers will be be able to turn and move. WeÕll make sure people are not trapped.
ÒThe revised scheme will enable there to be some parking on both sides of the road. And there is even room to allow a few cars to park at what was the Concorde Hotel.
ÒIn Herne Road about half a dozen cars can park on the outside of the bend. Yellow lines will be painted on the inside.Ó
The three-hour parking limit for Heath Road West will go ahead as planned but the same limit set for Weston Road will be removed.
Mr West said it was never his intention to impose the limit on Weston Road and told councillors that the inclusion of the area in the traffic regulation order was an error.
He said: ÒBy removing this limit it allows workers to use the road for parking during the day. I hope that this will be better for everyone concerned.Ó