A MAJOR overhaul of parking and traffic rules in Whitehaven has been put forward in a bid to tackle problem areas.

The changes would see more parking restrictions around primary schools and a number of residential areas in the town following concerns over parking chaos.

There would also be an increase in the number of disc parking spaces in the Market Place and a reduced number of disabled spaces.

This has been welcomed by traders who have previously called for the number of disabled spaces to be reduced over fears it is having an impact on their businesses.

Andrew McDowell, who owns McDowell’s newsagents in the Market Place, said: “I think it’s a good idea. I think it will encourage people to come into town.

“We’ve been trying to get it done since 2018. The extra hour parking for a lot of customers should be good for the town.”

Helen Graham, a pharmacy technician at W Fare Ltd in the Market Place, said: “I don’t know why they are so determined to keep the market clear of traffic. It just feels like they are determined to close the shops down.”

David Clark, who owns the Bird Shack in the Market Place, said: “Due to the fact that permit holders are allowed to park in disc zones, the town has ended up with a totally disproportionate spread of allocated bays for shoppers.”

Cllr Edwin Dinsdale, who represents Whitehaven Central South on the town council, said: “The shops and businesses are claiming not enough disc parking in the market and surrounding streets is having a detrimental effect on trade.

“I welcome the proposed changes that have been made to the market which increase disc parking.

“In my opinion, blue badge and loading parking should be proportionally shared out throughout the town.

“We shouldn’t have an area within the town that has the majority of blue badge parking, loading and unloading parking.”

A total of 24 areas in Whitehaven have been targeted by Cumberland Council under the proposals, known as traffic regulation orders (TROs).

The proposals, which are currently under consideration, were put before members of Whitehaven Town Council last week.

Councillors discussed the proposed restrictions near Kells Infant School, Jericho Primary School and St James’ Junior School.

Cllr Chris Hayes, who represents Kells, said the parking issues on High Road had become so bad he feared that somebody would be killed.

Cllr Brian O’Kane, who represents Whitehaven Central North, said the traffic near Jericho Primary School was ‘horrendous’ and the situation at St James’ Junior School was a ‘nightmare’.

Cllr O’Kane said: “All the areas around the schools are bottle necks at key times. The police can come, the traffic wardens can come. Whatever they do, there seems to be no control at all. It’s a wild west situation.”

Cllr Ray Gill, who represents Sneckyeat South, said there were currently ‘far too many’ disabled parking bays in the Market Place.

But councillors had doubts over the need for a proposed no right turn at the Duke Street and Scotch Street junction.

Cllr Gill said: “I don’t think that’s necessary. It doesn’t appear to be a dangerous junction. I fear it will put traffic on to a worse road - on to Michael Street.”

A Cumberland Council spokesperson said: “Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) within Cumberland are reviewed periodically as part of a rolling programme.

“Changes to the Whitehaven TRO are currently under consideration, with officers having assessed requests from the community for alterations to parking restrictions in and around the town.

“Concerns have been expressed over parking allocation within the town centre, and the proposals developed aim to strike a better balance between the needs of all road users, whilst ensuring the use of parking bays is maximised.

“Focus has also been given to road safety, with parking around schools shown particular attention. The deadline for responses to the consultation is February 2, 2024, with a further opportunity to comment available later in the process.”

The full list of proposals:

  • Pelican Garage, New Road – proposed no waiting at any time
  • Calder Avenue – proposed extension of no waiting at any time
  • Bransty area – no waiting at any time
  • Front Corkickle – proposed removal of no waiting at any time
  • Holly Terrace, Main Street, Hensingham – proposed no loading or unloading at any time restrictions
  • High Road, Kells – proposed no waiting at any time restrictions
  • Inkerman Terrace – proposed disc parking, Mon-Sat, 8.30am-6pm, to replace existing no waiting at any time and proposed no waiting at any time restrictions to replace disc parking
  • Rutland Avenue – proposed no waiting at any time
  • Duke Street / Scotch Street junction – no right turn
  • Jericho Road – proposed school keep clear, Mon-Fri 8am-6pm, term time only
  • Strand Street – proposed disc parking places
  • Duke Street – proposed disc parking spaces
  • Park Drive – proposed no waiting at any time
  • Irt Avenue – extension of no waiting at any time restrictions
  • Swingpump Lane – proposed disc parking places
  • St Johns Court – proposed no waiting at any time restrictions
  • Monkwray Court – proposed no waiting at any time restrictions
  • Lowther Street – proposed no waiting at any time restrictions and no loading or unloading at any time
  • Lowther Street – proposed reduction of disc parking places
  • Market Place – existing disabled bays to be replaced by disc parking places
  • Winston Drive – proposed no waiting at any time restrictions
  • James Pit Road – proposed no waiting at any time restrictions and proposed school keep clear, Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm
  • Lowther Street loading bays – proposed loading and unloading areas
  • Duke Street loading bay – proposed loading and unloading areas