Council to review parking near Harrogate Convention Centre

North Yorkshire Council is set to carry out a review of the roads around Harrogate Convention Centre after a petition called for residents-only parking in the area.

Residents complained that, despite paying for parking permits and the roads being signposted as access-only, they often can’t find a place to park.

They claim nearby hotel guests opt to park on their streets for free to avoid car park fees.

Their petition called for disc parking to be replaced by residents-only parking on Spring Grove, Spring Mount and Springfield Mews.

The petition stated it had received 57 signatures out of the 83 properties on the three streets and therefore had 69% support, although the council claimed the support to be 62%.

Now, council officials are set to proceed with the petition and carry out a review of the roads surrounding the convention centre and liaise with Cllr Peter Lacey, who represents the Coppice Valley and Duchy area on the council, on the matter.

In a decision notice, the authority said it would out carry out further surveys in the areas of Springfield Mews, Spring Mount and Spring Grove and the adjacent streets, to “facilitate a more detailed review” as to whether the implementation of a residents parking only scheme is feasible.

Cllr Lacey told the Stray Ferret that the decision showed a “degree of common sense”.

He said:

The petition was expected to be rejected at a meeting of the council’s environment directorate on June 25.

A report ahead of the meeting said existing vehicle access restrictions should be enforced more effectively.

The report also indicated there was no funding to implement the changes, which would cost £15,000 to £30,000.

It said the council would contact hotels urging them to advise customers not to park on streets.