City centre pedestrianisation trial (ETRO)

Idea

Some of the ideas suggested by people who attended the meetings on Monday 17 April

Part time pedestrianisation of the city centre

A number of people suggested part-time pedestrianisation – for example only on a weekend or only in the afternoons. This would allow disabled people and wheelchair users to still park in the city centre to carry out essential tasks during the week/mornings, such as going to the dentist, shopping or visiting the bank.

Allow for night-time disabled driver access to the city centre

Allow disabled drivers to access the city centre past 6pm, so that they also can visit the city for night-time events. Navigating the city and car parking in the dark is even more challenging, so parking in the city centre after shopping hours would be beneficial for disabled drivers and passengers.

Introduce a residents’ nip-in parking permit in city centre car parks

Allow either disabled, or all local residents, to apply for/pay for ‘nip-in’ parking permit – this would give residents a sticker that is recognised by car park wardens and that allows a max of, for example 30 mins or 1 hour parking in any district council owned city car park. This would encourage local trade for businesses and alleviate pressure on on-street disabled spaces.

Introduce a barrier/tag system to allow continued disabled access to the city centre

Provide an ANPR/tag system that could allow disabled residents continued access to the city centre pedestrianised zone - either at any time, or at restricted times. Residents (including those who live in the pedestrianised zone) would have to register first, and anyone driving through the city centre without having registered would receive a penalty.  

Introduce more city centre drop-off zones, particularly allowing access to Dam Street

Whilst city disabled parking spaces have been removed (either stand-alone or in conjunction with other listed ideas), create more drop-off zones in the city centre pedestrianised area. Ensure the drop-off zones allow adequate time to escort someone to an appointment, including those with severely impaired mobility, 1-2-1 care/supervision needs.

Retain some disabled parking spaces on Bore Street

Create (either stand-alone or in conjunction with other listed ideas) short-stay disabled parking spaces on Bore Street, so that those using drop-off spaces can use these for a slightly longer period to collect people they are supporting.

Investigate a disabled parking zone on Bore Street

Reinvestigate whether a two-way parking zone can be created in Bore Street with access from the Friary. Similarly reinvestigate whether traffic could access Bore Street from Tamworth Street, without having to circle the Market Square.

Introduce more disabled parking spaces in the Bird Street car park (B&M)

A number of people suggested the number of disabled parking spaces in Bird Street car park was not adequate and they are not being used appropriately – people parking up to eat lunch. It was suggested a larger number of disabled spaces should be located in the car park (even relocated from other car parks) and the spaces should be better enforced.

More disabled parking bays on Wade Street and Frog Lane

Introduce more disabled parking spaces on Wade Street and Frog Lane.

More city centre seating

Remove flower planters and replace with safe and secure seating across the city, so that disabled people and those with limited mobility have more places to stop and rest.

Disabled park and ride

Offer a disabled park and ride bus into the city centre on a regular basis, so disabled people or those with limited mobility can still access the facilities.

Introduce more facilities to support disabled and less able customers

Introduce more dropped kerbs across the city, more seating and more car parking spaces that support people who use mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs. Make Lombard Street car park easier to access for those with mobility issues/those in a wheelchair. Address the issue of cyclists in the city.

Issue

Comments

Communications

People felt that the communications about the trial needs to be improved, with better city signage (city centre posters and flyers to cars parked incorrectly) and more communications to those involved, as well as wider residents. People also felt that emails and calls in relation to the scheme should be responded to in a more timely manner.

Public realm strategy

Please requested we publish the Lichfield City Centre Masterplan that provided the strategic backdrop for the changes – download now.

Equality impact assessment

People requested we publish the equality impact assessment that has been carried out and will be updated throughout the process – download now.

AccessAble report

People requested we publish the AccessAble report – download now.

Usage statistics and blue badge driver statistics

People requested we publish city centre usage statistics, accident statistics and blue badge driver statistics – we are working on gathering the most recent available data and will update this website section in due course. It was highlighted that the majority of traffic in the city centre is made up of delivery drivers, those accessing city parking from within the pedestrianised zone, pick-up drivers, taxis and people driving through illegally. It was felt that disabled drivers actually make up a small number of drivers in the city.

Clarity over fines during ETRO period

Traffic wardens are issuing notices (that look like fines) to cars who park in the pedestrianised zone during the ETRO/trial that are not clear to those receiving them. We are looking into whether we can also place a leaflet on cars explaining the notices and trial more clearly, so people understand what the notices mean, and can feed in their views.

Targeted business survey

Circulate a survey for local businesses to see if they support the proposals and whether the trial is having an impact on their trade, and what ideas they have.

Meetings – offer online and in a variety of locations so more people can attend

As the trial progresses, people requested we host more meetings in more accessible locations, including an online meeting for those who cannot attend in person due to access issues. People also requested we make sure microphones and a visual presentation are offered at the meetings, so anyone with limited hearing or hearing loss are better supported. People asked us to consider providing a BSL interpreter if any customers whose first language is BSL registers to attend events.

Publish a link to the petition against the ETRO on the council’s website

People requested we publish a link to the petition against the ETRO in Change.org. This has now been published to www.lichfielddc.gov.uk/petitions