Stock Parish Council would like to update villagers regarding the potential for the introduction of parking restrictions at relevant and suitable sites in the village, with the intention of improving road safety for all users.
Following concerns raised by villagers, including the a Road Safety Survey completed by 462 of Stock’s 960 households in January 2024 which found 82% of respondents feel parking in the village is cause for concern, while 53.6% are in support of introducing parking restrictions in the village, the topic has been discussed at length at the Council’s monthly meetings this year.
Stock Parish Council has been working with South Essex Parking Partnership (SEPP) – a partnership between Essex County Council and Chelmsford City Council and other local authorities – and Essex County Council’s Traffic Regulations Orders (TRO) team regarding the potential for introducing Double Yellow Lines, and the enforcement of those parking restrictions.
All Double Yellow Lines introduced will be in accordance with Rule 243 of the The Highway Code – ‘DO NOT stop or park opposite or within 10 metres (32 feet) of a junction, except in an authorised parking space’. These will be legally enforceable, with all proposals intended for the safety of motorists, cyclists and pedestrians, and parking enforcement officers will visit the village regularly.
Site visits were held at junctions identified where physical and visual obstructions occur in Mill Road, The Square, Back Lane, Cambridge Close and Austen Drive, as well as the blind bend in Mill Road. Many of the roads in question have no pavements for pedestrians.
Following these visits, SEPP has informed the Parish Council that the parking restrictions can be introduced subject to public consultation with village residents, businesses and other stakeholders and a meeting being held at County Hall in Chelmsford. All interested parties will have the opportunity to express support or raise objections to the proposals and a consultation meeting will be held if required.
However, Stock Parish Council has been informed that due to available funding, this will not progress until 2025.
It will be SEPP who will make the ultimate decision as to whether the Double Yellow Lines are introduced, and not Stock Parish Council.
The Parish Council has been and will continue to hold discussions with residents, including Blue Badge Holders, and business owners to try to alleviate concerns.
Should the scheme be accepted and, if necessary, adjusted, the necessary legal documents will be completed, and the Double Yellow Lines painted and enforced to improve road safety.
Stock Parish Council continues to work with relevant stakeholders and villagers to introduce further road safety and speed reduction measures in the village, which you can read about here.
The next monthly meeting will be held at Stock Cricket Club on Tuesday 15 October from 7.30pm. All villagers are welcome and should be aware of the Parish Council’s Public Participation procedure.
We look forward to villagers’ future attendance at our meetings and thank you for your continued interest in Stock Parish Council.
