New parking restrictions to come into force on roads around Lancaster University

Lancashire County Council’s cabinet agreed to introduce the measures, which are to be paid for by the university, at a meeting this week.

The council says the restrictions are needed due to problems with parking on rural roads near the university which can make it difficult for traffic to pass, leading to concerns about safety, and damage being caused to grass verges.

A consultation was held on the proposals for Hazelrigg Lane, Barrow Greaves and Five Ashes Lane earlier this year, and a report to the cabinet outlined that two thirds of the 21 respondents either fully supported the plans, or supported them in principal but requested some changes, with four objections also being received.

The parking restrictions aim to limit the nuisance parking, while still providing opportunities for residents to park, and consist of a combination of measures including restrictions to prevent parking at all times, prevent parking only during the day, and prevent parking only overnight.

There will continue to be some short-stay parking on Hazelrigg Lane to reduce the impact that the proposed restrictions will have on residents of Chapel Lane.

County Councillor Keith Iddon, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “Parking on rural roads near the Lancaster University campus has increased to a level where we, and the university, feel we must bring in some parking restrictions to manage the situation.

“The parking makes it difficult for traffic to pass, particularly for the large agricultural vehicles which need to use these roads, as well as damaging grass verges.

“The restrictions will encourage staff and students to either use the pay and display parking available on campus, or choose a different mode of travel in keeping with Lancaster University’s travel plan.

“We understand this will also have some impact on parking opportunities for people who live nearby, however the overall impact should be to reduce nuisance parking and improve the situation for residents.

“Once the restrictions have been introduced we will continue to monitor the situation in case any further action is needed.”

The report to the cabinet outlines that a second phase of restrictions could be considered in future, focused on Burrow Road and part of Highland Brow, depending on the effectiveness of the first phase which has been agreed.