Confusion over parking scheme in Steeton village

The new virtual parking permit scheme will mean that people living in the area around Airdale Hospital, will have to register their own car online plus any visitors' every time they visit.

Concerns have been raised for elderly residents who might struggle to use an online system and questions have been asked what happens if you have an ‘unexpected visitor’, such as a tradesman, whose registration number you do not know.

Thornhill Road, Steeton

Tamsin Fearnley, 42, Coppy Road, Steeton said: “There’s been a lot of confusion and there hasn’t been great communication. I have heard that you can only have one visitor at a time which isn’t feasible for most people.”

“If my son is having a birthday party, and four lots of relatives come, two can park outside my house, but where do the others park?”

“In my opinion, I think too much of Steeton has been covered, there are only certain areas in Steeton that were problematic, but everywhere else there didn’t seem to be a problem but they’ve included most areas of Steeton in the scheme and it’s not going down very well. I think an old fashioned hard copy permit is the most logical idea.”

Areas affected by the permit

The Council sent out a 12 page document to explain how to use the scheme but a lack of communication has left residents unsure of how to set-up their permits.

The scheme's documentation states that ‘only one visitor permit is allocated to each household within the permit scheme – although you can pre-register up to 10 vehicles. It is the account holder’s responsibility to amend who is using the visitor permit on their account.’

The permit scheme

Tamsin added that it will cause issues for her 88-year-old mother-in-law who has carers ‘coming in and out’, and questioned how is she meant to know their registration plates, and how is she meant to login and register their different cars every day?

Steeton Cllr Peter Clarke has been involved in the scheme.

He said: “I have been approached by a number of residents regarding this issue both online and at a councillor surgery I held on the 25th September at the Steeton HUB. 

“While the Parking Services department of Bradford Council had sent out letters to residents, the letter was missing key vital information such as when the scheme started, the area the scheme covered, and when the scheme was in force (Monday to Friday 8 am until 6 pm). This lack of information has caused significant confusion, anxiety, and anger from residents.

“On the 29th September, I requested that Parking Services send out a letter to every resident affected but this request was refused. The department is however going to be conducting a review about how it communicates with residents about schemes in the future.

“The notice is currently in force but due to the lack of communication to residents from Parking Services I’ve got Parking Services to agree to delay enforcement until the 1st November.”

When the Telegraph and Argus contacted Bradford Council a spokesperson, said: “We are working with local residents and the Parish Council to improve understanding on this parking scheme which has broad support from people living in the area. 

“The scheme covers residential streets surrounding Airedale Hospital. This area is clearly signposted and we will publish a map and useful information on our website. 

“We have listened to local people who took part in our consultation and will operate the scheme from 8 am-6pm. 

“A permit is available for every vehicle registered to each household within the zone. 

“We are also supplying one visitor permit per household and this can be reviewed on a case-by-case basis for special events. Special discretionary permits are available for care workers.” 

“Residents can apply for permits at www.bradford.gov.uk/transport-and-travel/parking/parking-permits or by calling 01274 434300 and selecting option 4."