Tuesday 27th November 2012
A problem with car parking at Plants Green, Warminster, was discussed by Warminster Town Councillors at a meeting of the Town Development Committee, held at the Civic Centre, yesterday evening (Monday 26th November 2012).
Gordon MacDonald, of 6 Plants Green, Warminster, in a letter to the Town Clerk Ms. Heather Abernethie, dated 19th October 2012, wrote: “Dear Ms. Abernethy [sic]. Ref: Extension of Yellow Lines. Parking on the road outside Nos.4 and 6 Plants Green and directly opposite the entrance to Chelwood Court has become noticeably more frequent of late and it is unwise and more than a little dangerous because of the ‘S’ bend configuration of Plants Green at this particular point. You will see from the photos I have enclosed that the view both ‘up’ and ‘down’ is not clear. Would it be possible to discourage parking in this particular area in some way to prevent what could be a nasty accident. Thank you for your consideration. I regret any inconvenience.”
Rob Fryer (Mayor of Warminster) told the meeting he had visited Plants Green that morning and confirmed that cars are parking on the road in front of Mr. MacDonald’s property. It seems that parking charges for the public car parks in Warminster are forcing some motorists to use side streets for parking when they come into Warminster to work or shop.
Chris Montagu, a co-opted member of the Committee from Warminster Civic Trust, said he often had to visit Chelwood Court and was aware of the problem. Tony Nicklin, chairing the meeting, said nearly all of the road at Plants Green was narrow and perhaps would benefit from yellow lines all the way along.
Andrew Davis spoke against the addition of yellow lines at Plants Green. He said “If we put yellow lines one side of the road, people will just park on the other side of the road.” He went on to say despite the Council requesting and being granted yellow lines last year and at the beginning of this year, for other streets in Warminster, these yellow lines have still not been painted. It seems the bad weather of 2012 has considerably delayed the process. Andrew Davis said “If we do request yellow lines for Plants Green it will be at least 18 months before they materialise.”
Andrew Davis went on to say that yellow lines would only create a new problem at Plants Green. He thought that parked cars were a good traffic calming measure. Yellow lines preventing car parking, he reckoned, could make for a lethal situation at the bend in Plants Green.”
Councillors seemed unsure of the best course of action to deal with the problem raised by Mr. MacDonald. Chris March then suggested that the Council seek professional advice on the matter. “So that they can tell us yellow lines are needed,” retorted Andrew Davis. “No, no,” said Councillor March, “We will ask for professional advice and then we can decide what has to be done.”