Reader's Letter: Parking and obstruction on Alderley Road

Parking

Will a cyclist have to die, or be seriously injured, before the Council acts? From events over the last year it is absolutely clear that double yellow lines are required along Alderley Road, from the Fulshaw Cross roundabout to Victoria Road.

Prior to the construction of the apartments on the Remenham site, adjacent to the roundabout, there was never any parking along this stretch of road. The builders' vans set a precedent and now, on a daily basis, the footpath is partially obstructed by parked cars between the roundabout and Chapel Lane.

I have seen a lady with a double buggy forced to walk out into the roadway, in the traffic, because she could not get through on the obstructed footpath. I have also seen the bus having extreme difficulty turning out of Chapel Lane, having to swing perilously close to the footpath on the other side of Alderley Road. There is a pedestrian crossing point here, with a central refuge, used by hundreds of High School students every weekday; drivers on Alderley Road often cannot see clearly because of parked cars.

Parking has now extended on a daily basis from Chapel Lane to Victoria Road, opposite the Coach and Four. Last week I saw a cyclist have to perform an emergency stop and dismount into the bus stop layby, shown in the photo, because a United Utilities tanker was coming through, completely filling the 'wrong' half of the road. The photograph was taken this morning; later in the morning the queue of vehicles stretched right onto the roundabout, as a large tractor and trailer was struggling to get through.

I have contacted the police a couple of times and they say that they have cautioned drivers who obstruct the footpath and that, as there are no yellow lines, the parking wardens could not act because there were no parking restrictions! They suggested that Cheshire East Council should be contacted to get some lines put in place.

Out of interest I thought that I would see what the two ward councillors said, on this website, when they made their pre-election statements:

Ellie Brooks, Monday 20th April 2015 - "When asked about the important issues facing Wilmslow, Ellie said "Gary (Barton) and I have been canvassing for some months and we have noted the issues raised on the doorstep. Parking, road safety and the need to find sensible solutions". She continued "I will be campaigning for lower charges at underused car parks, and the extension of the Broadway Meadow car park, and I will work with CEC for improve pavements and continuing road improvements. I will also work with residents, the town council and with Gary to preserve the character of Wilmslow. I will always look for ways to improve what we already have and listen to concerns of residents and work with them."

Gary Barton, Saturday 18th April 2015 - "I (reporter) asked Gary what he considered to be the important issues facing Wilmslow. He replied "Parking and road safety are major challenges for Wilmslow. We need to find parking solutions that support local traders and that prevent our local streets from being clogged up by all-day commuter parkers. We also need to find new ways to reduce speeds on certain local roads. I want to see continued road and pavement improvements." He continued "I will campaign for an extension to the Broadway Meadow car park near the leisure centre and for a reduction in parking charges at the under-utilised Spring Street car park."

Given that the next election is looming, there is some food for thought in those words.

Any other views out there?

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Comments

Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.

Jonathan Follows
Friday 3rd August 2018 at 10:04 am
Whilst I completely agree that parking should not be permitted in this location, "something" happened a number of weeks ago. Prior to this event (in late spring?), cars were always parked on the pavement, but for a number of weeks the cars have almost always been parked off the pavement, and this is significantly better in my opinion. I am both a driver and a pedestrian, by the way. Provided that cars continue not to obstruct the pavement, as they used to do, I am far less concerned about this than I used to be because I can walk to my local post box again now. However I would fully support complete parking restrictions in this location, because it's a stupid and inconsiderate place to park for all the reasons given in Pete Taylor's article.
Nick Jones
Friday 3rd August 2018 at 10:33 am
This is a problem, of common sense above all else. If vehicles are insured, taxed and legally parked on the road, this obstructs more of the carriageway but seriously exacerbates the cycling / passing vehicle problem. I have seen pedestrian near misses here crossing between cars, it wont be long before there is a tragedy. A preventable one at that! but the problem is caused by displacement, the accepted best practice by CEC.... This is the result !! and the solutions have never even been considered, always kicked into the long grass, too hard to do… But with only months to go before the next election it now appears some Lyme Green CEC spark in the Twitterati thinks its worth building a multi storey !! Really ?? Funding ?? Remember the parking problem was raised years ago by residents and ignored.... There is suitable space for parking at R/L, but the planning leverage opportunity for that has probably passed in favour of profit. Even a simple 1 way system around Water Lane / Alderley Road, Hawthorn Street could be considered for safer street parking, But also remember the flawed and costly CEC Local Plan ? Parking ignored... Remember ‘Adlington -Never build on these fields- Road’ ? and ‘I have publicly opposed any housing on the Royal-London site’. Remember the vast swathes of of Yellow lines daubed across our town, Remember CEC Cllrs were repeatedly told by the public and business that displacement is not the solution. Time and cost will impede resolution in the time required. Until then. Im sorry to say I think it will just be more of the same.
Kul Chawla
Friday 3rd August 2018 at 10:50 am
In agreement here that parking restrictions are urgently required before there is a nasty accident or even death here. I have used this road almost everyday for the last 10/12 years and there was never a problem until recently.

Gone are the days of commonsense, moralistic, "I shouldn't park there as it may cause others issues"..

It may well have been trades/builders working on developments that started the parking but as far as i can gather now it is in actual fact wilmslow workers' cars in the main who are parking on this section of Alderley Road.

Without doubt there is a daily threat to safety here not to mention the big tailbacks being caused when oversized buses, trucks and tractors try and squeeze their way through, in many instances forcefully.

The Wardens say they can't enforce as there are no parking restrictions, the Police say contact the council, and Cheshire East say contact your local councillors.. the huge caveat, i have been warned, is that it is a "very lengthy" process.. oh what a surprise!
Rick Andrews
Friday 3rd August 2018 at 11:19 am
Alderley Road carries a lot of traffic and parking restrictions should be introduced. In fact, now that the council had been alerted to this dangerous situation, failure to act could lead to litigation in the event of a serious accident on the grounds of negligence. Of course, the motorists who park causing obstruction and inconvenience are equally to blame. Inconsiderate and thoughtless.
Howard Piltz
Friday 3rd August 2018 at 11:37 am
Everyone bar CEC knows there is a serious problem but the folk in Sandbach - many, many miles away MIGHT get round to doing something about it, hopefully before we are all dead and buried. They are consulting- short for obfuscation, our lovely MP is very frustrated and local councillors have buried their heads in the sand, I could be a lot ruder but it might get redacted (good word the council understands - it means the editors red pen). I think there is a serious proposition today for a return to the old Wilmslow UDC, anybody agree?
Charlie Cook
Friday 3rd August 2018 at 12:24 pm
Part of the difficulty is that cars park right up to the junctions. Last week there was a large queue all the way back to the roundabout as someone was sat behind a parked van thinking it was in a queue. There was also an incident a few weeks ago where a car parked so close to the island near Kenmore that lorries and busses were having to go to the right of the island. Surely, even with no yellow lines, these are obstruction.
Colin Jones
Friday 3rd August 2018 at 1:35 pm
By coincidence I called CEC Highways about this very issue yesterday afternoon. The assistant didn't know the location but just said if there are no yellow lines in place it's an obstruction and, therefore, a matter for the Police. I got through to the Police on 101 and a duty officer agreed it sounded like obstruction (I explained that the cars are parked in the carriageway, forcing northbound traffic to use the right-turn lane for Sainsbury's) and that he would ask a Wilmslow Police Station officer to investigate. I suppose, if each car in the parking line opposite the Coach & Four is ticketed it might suddenly stop the problem? Unless a fresh batch of car-parkers just replace them!
I think as many people as possible should keep phoning the Council and the Police about this particular selfish and dangerous parking spot.
Vince Chadwick
Friday 3rd August 2018 at 2:20 pm
My daughter lives in the Cotswolds. When the local heritage railway opened an extension of its line to the previously-closed Broadway railway station earlier this year, there was an immediate problem with on-street parking obstructing the main road as the station has very limited parking facilities (a new car park is being built but is not yet open).

Local residents complained, and within weeks the affected stretch of road received double-yellow lines and the obstructive parking problem was resolved.

So it CAN be done!
Janet A Taylor
Friday 3rd August 2018 at 2:40 pm
I’ve just reported this on the CEC website, Highways,roads and pavements . Then report an issue . You can track the complaints . If they receive dozens of complaints they may be spurred into action ?
Terry Roeves
Friday 3rd August 2018 at 2:45 pm
Nothing will happen unless WTC and CEC Cllrs highlight the danger.
There is a CEC Safety Officer who can come out and see what’s happening.
Suggest that we get our Cllrs to get on with it.
Alan Brough
Friday 3rd August 2018 at 4:09 pm
I agree that this is a serious problem and the thoughtless parking on this stretch of road has potential to cause a serious accident.

Given the fact that the stretch of road in question is heavily used (crossed) by children attending the High School and the elderly residents of the several retirement homes in the vicinity, everything possible should be done to ensure that drivers have a clear and unimpeded view of the road.

Like Janet A Taylor (above) I have used the CE website to report the issue (ref 3335112)

Also, in a nod to Vince Chadwicks comment, Alderley Edge's Independent Councillor Craig Browne has been very effective in getting similar issues sorted out in relatively short order - not only that but he keeps AE residents fully informed on progress via his Facebook page and blogs. So, (as Vince says) it CAN be done!
Manuel Golding
Friday 3rd August 2018 at 4:26 pm
Residents of Wilmslow receives numerous frustrated and extremely annoyed comments from the town's residents.
I have today spoken to one of the Wilmslow West ward councillors, Cllr Ellie Brooks, about the continuous & unacceptable obstruction to Alderley Road by out of town greedy, unthinking, lazy parkers. Some vehicles are seen parked along this stretch every day, all day long from before 9 a.m.
For 40+ years there was a unwritten acknowledgement by visitors, office workers, shoppers etc, that that stretch of road be kept clear and without any enforcement. Good sense, community understanding, individual responsibility prevailed until about 20 months ago. Now a new bread of uncaring, unthinking, lazy & greedy, out of town in the main, greedy parkers have "invaded" the town centre.
I have today written to Ellie, Cllr Garry Barton and a separate note to the council Leader emphasising RoWs and the town's people's increasing annoyance at this daily obstruction.
Enough of sitting on hands, as all too often practiced by Highways planning apparatchiks. Now is the time for action and a positive, practical solution
l've suggested to Cllr Bailey that she instigates a "temporary" or "emergency" parking restriction order be introduced without further delay. This will give the council time to go through the legal process to unveil a legally compliant restrictive order. We need it now, not in six, twelve or 18 months as has been quoted by Highways.
NOW, carpe diem!
Kul Chawla
Friday 3rd August 2018 at 8:19 pm
following emails sent to our local councillors earlier today, Cllr Menlove has responded promptly as follows:

"Thank you for your email.

I visit the site frequently and we all find the inconsiderate parking situation in Alderley Road unacceptable.

We have been in liaison with the police for months as obstruction is a police matter but they have many other calls upon their time.

Next week I will be able to give some information on a stop-gap solution with hopefully the outline of medium term and long term measures."

Regards
Cllr Rod Menlove

_____________

No response as yet received from Cllr Barton or Cllr Brooks.
David Hoyle
Friday 3rd August 2018 at 9:38 pm
Stop gap solution. Medium term long term measures. What does this mean in plain English.
Julian Abbot
Friday 3rd August 2018 at 10:23 pm
Haha don't expect a reply from Gary Barton. I wrote to him at the beginning of the year asking for action on the parking problem down Buckingham Road . Still waiting....I had already asked the highways dept for some assistance as their bin wagons were unable to get down the avenues due to commuter cars blocking the road and pavement, parking on corners. They said there was nothing they could do and suggested the 101 number (no matter, as I guess they can just increase the Council Tax to cover the repeat visits?). I did subsequently contact the police as there was a large van parked on a corner for a week obstructing the view out. This was their reply:
"I am aware of parking issues along Buckingham Road – as, indeed, I am across the majority of roads in Wilmslow. The issue lies with there being insufficient parking in the town, which it is the responsibility of Cheshire East Council to solve. In terms of solely Buckingham Road, parking restrictions such as yellow lines could also be put in place. I would advise you to persist in making Cheshire East Council and your local borough councillor aware of your concerns."
And so it goes round and round, the merry dance we are lead on. Everyone passing the buck! I completely agree this needs a proper plan, not a stop gap. I did suggest some sort of park and ride scheme to Gary... The Wilmslow Neighbourhood plan is out now, does this go far enough to deal with the ever increasing requirement? Although, I wonder if Cheshire East will take notice to this as it's 2018 now and the comments in the article were from 2015. 3 years and the problem is still getting worse as all that has been done is to put parking restrictions on the roads nearest the centre. All that has achived is to push the problem further out. This was not a solution. I also don't think the commuters are to completely to blame (yes some of the parking is completely inconsiderate) as they are desperate for affordable parking provision. The council rakes in the the taxes from the businesses and residents of Wilmslow, but is failing to address one of the major gripes of the residents. I know this article was for Alderley Road, but parking in general in Wilmslow needs urgent action now.
Well I know who I Won't be voting for in the next election.
Dave Cash
Friday 3rd August 2018 at 10:33 pm
Dear Cllr M, Menlove,
Yes, obstruction of the Highway is a Police matter for action. The rel new Wilmslow Police Superintendent made promises to WTC back in June of certain action, which is not yet evident.
CEC should prevent parking within 15(?) metres of any junction, (as per Highway code) by installing DYLs. It would cause some parking displacement, which can be considered later.
Dave Cash
Friday 3rd August 2018 at 10:38 pm
The Election clock is 'ticking'.
Fiona Doorbar
Saturday 4th August 2018 at 7:09 am
If the long stay parking situation is reviewed this problem will go away. Workers need to park and the amount of parking spaces that allows you to park over 3 hours are very few. I agree that this is a problem as it takes me an extra 5 minutes now to get to work but there is a reason for folk parking like this so address the reason and the parking problem will be solved.
Julie Green
Saturday 4th August 2018 at 8:21 am
I suspect that most of the parked cars belong to construction and delivery staff associated with the two developments at that end of Alderley Road, rather than other workers looking for a free parking spot. For the last ten years there has been exactly the same problem trying to squeeze through Macclesfield Road Alderley Edge with all the ongoing construction there.
Jonathan Follows
Saturday 4th August 2018 at 8:42 am
Plenty of people park all day on Victoria Road (and, presumably, Albert Road) because they have discovered that the likelihood of receiving a parking ticket is extremely low - probably low enough to make it cheaper than paying for parking every day even if that were possible. For these people to discover that they can park on Alderley Road with no chance of receiving a ticket will have come as a great pleasure, and part of me doesn't blame them for parking there all day now. Especially if they stay off the pavement!

Parking provision and enforcement are both pretty woeful in Wilmslow, to my observation. Clearly provision for all-day parking for workers is difficult, as Fiona Doorbar observes. But it's one thing to come up with rules and regulations, but without effective enforcement it's a bit of a futile exercise. If parking on Alderley Road is now "banned", will the parkers move back to the side streets again and take occasional tickets in their stride?
Pete Taylor
Saturday 4th August 2018 at 9:18 am
Thanks for the responses here (and for the many more on this site’s Facebook page.
The people I have seen depositing their cars and scurrying off have not been construction workers, in the main, they have been dressed for the office. Many of the same cars are there day after day.

Interestingly there has been no response, on any of the social media outlets from the two Ward Councillors, a reported comment from the Ward Councillor for the opposite side of the road and, as ever, the Cabinet Member with responsibility here (who has addresses in both Alderley and Wilmslow and therefore must be aware of the issue) remains resolutely silent.

Please do report the issue on the CEC Highways web page. Thanks.
Pete Taylor
Saturday 4th August 2018 at 10:58 am
Sorry to be back again soon but one thing which has become apparent is the need for our representatives to hold regular surgeries; without them we don’t have any opportunity to discuss issues and, importantly, we don’t know what they are doing on our behalf or what their circumstances are.
Hopefully some progress can be made to end this potentially dangerous situation.
Nick Jones
Saturday 4th August 2018 at 12:21 pm
@Pete..£1Million plus CEC spend of our taxes with LGM spin doctors appears to have ensured interface with the public stopped .. As demonstrated on these pages many times .. if its about grabbing column inches for some minor issue, I.e. Logs around a pond, well the incumbents are all over it... BUT … Ask about Air Pollution, Lyme Green, Co Socious, Planning issues, R/L,L/P, ridiculous amount of Yellow lines, efforts to support commuters / workers shoppers with parking , support for our local business and town development, then … Zilch !
This week I have raised a matter with Independent Cllr Toni Fox, who swiftly and expeditiously dealt with the issue. Perhaps the partisan lemmings could learn a thing here in the value of engaging with the electorate, a matter they clearly don’t or won’t practice without LGM guidance.... And when the issue of a new muli storey for the town is made a CEC flagship announcement... remember its not news... as it was suggested and ignored years ago.... but with months o the election, its grasping at straws..
David Pearce
Saturday 4th August 2018 at 5:13 pm
A car permanently parked on left hand side to where the yellow lorry is in the picture should inhibit any double parking on that stretch of the road so that the bus layby - except when when picking up passengers - can then effectively provide necessary extra road width to restore 2 way traffic flow - any offers? - whilst C.E.C. is switched off to properly solving the issue
Matthew Hodgson
Saturday 4th August 2018 at 6:47 pm
Whilst it took 18 months with CEC, we did eventually get parking restrictions on Longmeade Gardens due to similar issues. In our case it took instances of ambulances being unable to get up the street to a very ill neighbour due to wall to wall double parking that tipped the residents over the edge. We then had to to get a 75% majority signed petition from residents before CEC would act. How hard can it be to paint two yellow lines down a road to prevent a death?
Pete Taylor
Saturday 4th August 2018 at 8:56 pm
@ Matthew, I am familiar with the Longmeade yellow lines case; with the greatest of respect, those were only side-streets and the Ward Councillor, at that time, lived there. This is the main road through Wilmslow and none of the three CEC Councillors whose wards Alderley Road passes through appear (at least in public) to be involved in providing a solution.
Anne Greenhalgh
Sunday 5th August 2018 at 4:05 pm
To Kul Chawla, in an earlier post on this page you point out that the police say contact the council and the council says contact your Councillor. You later quote on behalf of Cllr Menlove that he says he has contacted the police but they are busy elsewhere? What is it to be! Who is actually responsible for parking problems?
James MacDonald
Monday 6th August 2018 at 11:41 am
From the Oxford dictionary for the word pavement: 'A raised paved or asphalted path for pedestrians at the side of a road.'

From the highway code
Rule 145:
You MUST NOT drive on or over a pavement, footpath or bridleway except to gain lawful access to property, or in the case of an emergency.

Rule 244:
You MUST NOT park partially or wholly on the pavement in London, and should not do so elsewhere unless signs permit it. Parking on the pavement can obstruct and seriously inconvenience pedestrians, people in wheelchairs or with visual impairments and people with prams or pushchairs.

One rule for London and one for the rest of the country. However, rule 145 trumps rule 244 as it has a MUST NOT. Unfortunately, the offence needs to be witnessed, etc. for a prosecution even though the vehicle was unlikely to be pushed or lifted by a crane onto the pavement.

The bottom line is that with or without enforcement, some drivers are lazy / want to park for free, and do not care about rules and / or the safety of pedestrians, cyclists or other drivers.
Rick Andrews
Monday 6th August 2018 at 11:56 am
The issue is that offices are built with insufficient parking in order to maximise office space and rental income. The planning applications always refer to sustainable use of public transport but everyone wants to drive to work. And, as for the comment about it taking 5 more minutes to get to work - that must be really challenging. imagine, 5 whole minutes.

All new office developments should require the developer and occupying company to fund parking space. As it stands, Wilmslow is full to capacity.
Gina Thompson
Wednesday 8th August 2018 at 6:20 pm
Fiona Doorbar and Rick Andrews are both right. Unfortunately CEC just don't care.
John Duckworth
Wednesday 8th August 2018 at 6:54 pm
Monday to Friday we have all day parking, particularly on Alderley Road - this is due to drivers not wanting to pay for parking. I understand some of the all day parking is due to Royal London not providing sufficient space for their employees. All day parking in both the laybys on Knutsford Road approaching the Kings Arms roundabout with two very large signs inviting parking - Buckingham Road is reduced to one lane, Gravel Lane entering from Knutsford Road, South Oak Lane from Gravel Lane.Manchester Road (Cycle paths blocked) I could go on and on.


When I contact the police they pass the problem to East Cheshir Council who in turn pass back to the police.I am told procedures have to be followed, then these procedures should be changed - How long does it take to paint double yellow lines and introduce parking limits on many of the other roads affected - why do we have "Parking" wardens they should be given additional powers.

When I spoke to the police last week I was told he couldn' seet that any danger existed when asked was he familier with the road he said "I dont, as I dont live in Wilmslow"

Our MP Esther McVey is doing all she can, but should be dealing with more important measures.

Who is responsible at East Cheshire Council, it should be the Chief Executive and quite clearly he is not doing his job.
David Raggett
Wednesday 8th August 2018 at 9:27 pm
I totally agree. Many side roads are being used as car parks, as well as main roads, which is ridiculous. What really annoys me is that many cars are being parked on pavements which is so wrong and dangerous to pedestrians! Something must be done.
Maria Quin
Wednesday 8th August 2018 at 10:49 pm
My disgust with CEC knows no bounds now. As someone with little knowledge or interest in politics, my suggested solution will probably have you falling off your chairs, laughing! However - I’d still like to share my very simplistic view of what we, as residents, should be considering.

OK - we know that there has been misappropriation of OUR money and that several council officers are - and have been under investigation.

We also know they have little or no interest in providing us with a value for money Council Tax and this has been the case for several years. They take stupid decisions about where and when multiple roadworks should take place without even joining the dots to take into account the impact on the folk paying their extortionate salaries.

So - what would I like to happen to resolve these - and other issues?

WE ALL STOP PAYING OUR COUNCIL TAX!!

They’re clearly not using our money in a competent, fair and just fashion and - as such - in my simple mind - that is tantamount to daylight robbery (which any of us would be locked up for).

I can’t think of any other way we, the residents, can get CEC to behave in an honest, professional and proactive manner.

Oops! Have to go - just fell off my soapbox!
Patricia Chadwick
Thursday 9th August 2018 at 12:28 am
As a resident living on Victoria Road I contacted the police last year about cars parking on Alderley road they came over took one look and said they couldnt do anything , at that time cars were parking on the pavement , in recent days I’ve had 2 elderly residents that have had near missis whilst crossing the road at the pelican crossing , a previous comment indicated it’s going to take a fatality before something is done .Double yellow lines are the only answer and sooner rather than later .
Jon Armstrong
Thursday 9th August 2018 at 6:26 am
"Royal London not providing sufficient space for their employees"

Royal London have tried repeatedly to provide more parking for their employees but those living nearby fight them every time.
Joyce White
Thursday 9th August 2018 at 8:22 am
Have just reported this problem to both CEC and Cheshire Police and have reference numbers for both calls. Both respondents have promised to see what can be done. If enough of us make enough fuss '' perhaps'' something will happen or am I being NAIVE.
Martin Duguid
Thursday 9th August 2018 at 5:17 pm
Is it not the case that Wilmslow with it's excellent rail service is a commuter hub with workers driving into town from several miles around? Unfortunately the parking facilities for these commuters is woefully inadequate so they park where they can. Painting yellow lines on the Alderley Road is the right thing to do, but in the short term would cause the displacement mentioned by several contributors, leading drivers to create obstruction and irritation elsewhere.
The town needs a park and ride scheme somewhere on the by-pass that is convenient and cheap, so commuters don't need to drive into town. That's the long-term solution. This would cost of course but funding new or extending our existing car parks would be expensive too and would merely encourage commuters to drive into town thus exacerbating the congestion problem.
In the meantime let us all keep pressure on CEC by posting complaints on their website.
Pete Taylor
Thursday 9th August 2018 at 8:41 pm
Time for CEC to compulsory purchase (again?) the slice of land between the railway and the by-pass currently given the fanciful title "Wilmslow Business Park"? This has been wasteland since the bypass was built and can't be seen from any residential (or other) buildings.
Manuel Golding
Friday 10th August 2018 at 3:29 pm
RESIDENTS OF WILMSLOW has written again to the Council Leader expressing our concern with the obstructive parking on Alderley Road as being just one glaring example of the continued aggressive, inconsiderate daily commuter parkers and the problems they bring around the town. Residential roads are daily clogged up with commuter car drivers' inconsiderate, lazy & greedy parking.
RoW has attempted over the past two years to have a resolution to Wilmslow's vexatious problem; promised parking surveys three times during this period, two were not instigated. Now we are told that a third survey is going to take place. But when? And, when will results be implemented?
In fact a solution needs to be instigated without any further prevarication. Ro has suggested various solutions over the past years - resident parking permits, restrictive parking times (max stay 1 to 2 hrs), variegated short parking periods (say 10 a.m to 12 noon & then 3 p,m, to 4.30 p.m for example), more car parks, park & ride etc.
We hear that all solutions cost money or the Council doesn't have the money. Where have we heard all this before, meanwhile numerous officers have been sent on full pay 'garden tending'. There is money but CEC must learn to stop wasting it.
Another factor is that CEC has targeted more businesses to open here but not insisted on employers providing & financing parking.
Time to get to grips CEC NOW.
David Smith
Tuesday 14th August 2018 at 10:49 pm
Ask anyone and they will say that the cars parked on Alderley Road near the Coach & Four are causing an OBSTRUCTION. Go to the Wilmslow Police, as I have done about other areas, and they will say that there is NO OBSTRUCTION because cars can get through. The fact that the road is designed as a two lane highway to allow free flowing of vehicles in both directions at the same time and with cars parked like this the road is reduced most of the time to a single lane highway seems to be, in the eyes of our local police, NOT an issue as there is no OBSTRUCTION. If you Google this word for a definition you will see the following: OBSTACLE, IMPEDIMENT, BLOCK, HINDRANCE, HITCH, DIFFICULTY - all words that apply to this situation. What the police really mean by an OBSTACLE is a BLOCKAGE where NO passage of vehicles is possible. So a tree that falls down and lies right across the road from one side to the other is a BLOCKAGE but a tree that falls down and just ends up in one side of a road would be an OBSTRUCTION. The police will say they will only act if there is an OBSTRUCTION - which clearly by the normal definition of the word, there is one at the Coach & Four, whereas what they mean is they will only act if there is a BLOCKAGE. Since we are talking vehicles here and not trees, the only way you will get a BLOCKAGE on a road from parking is if a vehicle parks right across the road from one kerb to the other - and what nutter is going to do that? Now, my father was a police officer for 30 years, so I grew up in the police. I have nothing against them but in this particular instance they are acting with small brains and really need to pull their fingers out and get on top of the parking situation in our town. Our council too needs to act. They won’t because they are inadequate and the only solution is for US to deselect our present councillors at the next election by voting for ANYONE ELSE! We must stop voting along national party lines - which being somewhat Conservative around here means we elect a Conservative council - and really need to elect a local government that listens to what we want in the place where we live.
Pete Taylor
Wednesday 15th August 2018 at 6:08 pm
Any update WARD COUNCILLORS? Not one of you have commented here, or on other Social Media.
Does someone have to be seriously injured before action is taken?

If you are doing something- why not tell us publicly? This lack of information reflects very badly on you.
Pete Taylor
Thursday 30th August 2018 at 8:06 pm
Tick, tock...
How much money was collected at the High School gate during the quick fix? Was someone paid to collect it? Did the receipts pay for this person(s)?
The dangerous parking continued, even at weekends and on the Bank Holiday.
Any response, CEC Cllrs?
Nick Jones
Friday 31st August 2018 at 9:17 am
@ Pete, If you recall, In a recent survey; 200 people at CEC personally experienced bullying. 360 witnessed bullying in the latter six months of the survey (Documented on this site) occurring on Rachel Baileys watch. So perhaps we have a return to the ‘ Good Old Days’of Michael Jones here, as The ‘Silence’ is some of these Ward Cllrs to this and other issues is deafening. Perhaps they are also bullying victims ??
Or maybe the £1Million plus spend with LGM spin doctors has placed all key decision making and public engagement with them and their personal CEC financier. ? ( NB Books not signed off for 3 years by auditors.. so why are they being paid to do the councils job ? )
This needs a simple, none partisan, evidenced based approach; Here’s the problem, and after effective validation and capability assessment , Here’s a)The short term or b)The long term fix… simple ! ( Or you’d like to think ! )
Merge the two halves of this small county ASAP , rid ourselves from this Orwellian regime that ignores its residents and treats them with similar disdain to its own workforce.
Alan Brough
Friday 31st August 2018 at 1:15 pm
News just in......

Todays headline tells us that CE Council have now done an about-turn and decided that nuisance parking WILL be addressed. They intend to take steps to clamp down on nuisance parking with Wilmslow given priority due to a high number of complaints.

Excellent you might think, but read on:

This Clamp Down (we are told) will begin in early September, with council officers monitoring the situation and gathering evidence to shape potential solutions.

Cheshire East will work collaboratively with the police, town and parish councils, stakeholders and businesses to assess needs and potential solutions. It will also look at the possibility of enhanced enforcement measures to clamp down on illegal or irresponsible parking.

And, if anyone were in any doubt about just how seriously CE's Parking Tsar Glen Williams is taking this matter, he goes on to say.....

"Many of our residents are impacted by high numbers of vehicles in areas where statutory parking regulations are often ignored or where there is insufficient provision for off-road car parking.

"We intend to generate an open debate about parking matters, in partnership with our towns and local communities."

......................oops sorry, I just nodded-off.