Cheltenham Council Declines Christmas Suspension for Zone 15 Parking Restrictions

Gloucestershire County Council has been likened to Charles Dickens’ character Ebenezer Scrooge for its decision not to grant residents a Christmas reprieve from parking restrictions. Last Christmas, individuals residing in zone 15 in Cheltenham received a singular exemption from the residential parking permit scheme, which was issued as a gesture of goodwill following rollout difficulties for which the council had apologized. A council spokesperson stated that this type of concession is not extended to residents in other permit zones, and therefore, reintroducing it would be considered “unfair.” According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, over 2,500 people signed a petition last year, advocating for either the removal or modification of the zone. Earlier this month, residents raised inquiries at a full council meeting regarding the continuation of a Christmas break for zone 15. Cheltenham resident Ian Weaving remarked: “With many elderly feeling isolated with the introduction of the scheme the break was gratefully received last year.” However, Dom Morris, the highways cabinet member, confirmed that there would be no such break this year. Following the meeting, Mr. Weaving again compared the county council to Ebenezer Scrooge, the miserly protagonist from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. He commented: “It appears that in this case a due regard impact assessment has either not been conducted or has not been sufficiently considered,” further explaining that “Many elderly people can not use MiPermit and cannot get a paper version.“A break at Christmas means they can have visitors, who can park outside, with no permit.“I personally think it’s disgraceful at Christmas. A break at Christmas means a lot to elderly residents.” A council spokesperson indicated the ongoing process, stating: “We are currently analysing feedback from the engagement process that was carried out to create final proposal plans, so we can provide an improved scheme that meets the needs of the majority of residents.”