| Andover Town Centre "Pedestrian Area" |
| The issue: |
I am becoming increasingly concerned about the pedestrian area in the lower High Street. It is supposed to be a safe area to walk, however if you should care to walk in the area on a Sunday morning you will have to dodge any number of vehicles driving on the pavement as well as the "road" areas. It is supposed to be an area for disabled road users only, but it now appears to be for anyone as there are NO roadsigns explaining what is acceptable, and NO presence from the council/police/traffic wardens to manage the area. I have sent this email to you as I feel that your comments to the council will carry far more weight than any from me. I hope that you can look at this issue. Best regards Bob Walker |
| Date Issue Raised: |
11 Sep 2005 |
| My response: |
Many thanks for the email – raising a vital issue of pedestrian safety in the High St.
This has been a bone of contention since the High St was re-opened, with the new restrictions on access. My impression has been that enforcement during the week has improved, with more drivers who have no right to be there being challenged.
However, I have not been there on a recent Sunday, where the position may be worse because there is less enforcement. I will take this up with TVBC and let you know how I get on.
Best wishes, George Young
Reply from TVBC below
Dear Sir George
ANDOVER HIGH STREET – PEDESTRIAN AREA
Thank you for passing your constituent’s email alleging driver misuse of the above area on Sundays, to the Head of Planning. I have been asked to reply, as parking enforcement is the responsibility of the Head of Technical Services.
The parking enforcement staff, have been monitoring misuse of the area, and in addition to issuing penalty charge notices to parked vehicles, report vehicles which enter the street and leave without stopping to the Police. I note that there has been a recent increase in the number of these ‘moving’ offences, and I will therefore be pleased to arrange a further campaign of enforcement to re-educate drivers with the rules.
The signing for vehicles is very clear; access without a permit is prohibited. It is not practical or desirable to permanently station a parking attendant at the High Street. However, it has been found that there is a ripple effect resulting from enforcement campaigns, which when combined with surveillance information enables very effective enforcement.
Yours sincerely
Terry Gilmour
Head of Technical Services
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Sir George Young Bt MP: Constituency and Parliamentary Website