Parking charges are to be reinstated from 15 June, however council leaders have agreed to continue to allow certain key workers to continue to park free of charge in car parks across the Bradford district.
This comes as many other parking services, restrictions and enforcement activities return to business as usual over the next few weeks.
The key workers who will benefit are health and social care workers, people working for the NHS and COVID-19 volunteers. This includes people who work in care homes and home care workers. All they need to do is register their car registration number and send proof of their employment to NHSparking@bradford.gov.uk.
Approval of a virtual permit request will allow the named vehicle to use all Bradford Council car parks without charge. This concession will be available over the entire district all days and hours of operation. Free parking will no longer be available for Council staff and volunteers, unless they meet the criteria.
The decision to reintroduce enforcement of parking restrictions was taken following consultation with other local authorities and guidance received from the British Parking Association and The Local Government Association.
Bradford Council has agreed the following:
W/C 24 May - Warning notices to be issued to vehicles observed parked in contravention.
W/C 1 June – Recommence bus lane enforcement, issuing of Penalty Charge Notices on-street and off-street.
W/C 15 June - Parking charges reinstated and warning notices issued for one week for non-compliance of pay and display related contraventions.
W/C 22 June - Penalty Charge Notices issued for all contraventions including pay and display.
As people are being encouraged to use their cars to get to work or to cycle, we need to ensure that bus lanes are free of other vehicles to ensure bus journey times.
The re-introduction of charges encourages appropriate parking and ensures that there is a turnover of spaces in key locations. This benefits visitors and shoppers as it allows parking close to amenities. Car parks remain operational for longer stay purposes.
We will be following British Parking Association (BPA) advice and particularly focusing on dangerous and obstructive parking and loading bays, yellow lines, bus stops, disabled bays, taxi ranks, dropped kerbs, pedestrian crossings, tactile pavements, limited waiting, cycle lanes and time restricted areas.
Cllr Alex Ross-Shaw, Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “By continuing to provide free parking we are supporting the critical role played by NHS workers and carers and enable them to continue to provide essential services to our most vulnerable residents.
“As the district moves slowly towards the easing of lockdown guidelines and the Government announcement that retail can start again from 15 June, it is essential that residents and businesses can start to go about their normal day as usual. The return of parking services will encourage motorists to park more responsibly. Disabled bays will be available for badge holders who require access close to the location they are visiting, safety will be improved due to the enforcement of dangerous and anti-social parking on pavements and commercial vehicles will be able to load and unload.
“We are informing people well ahead of when the changes will be made to make sure that everyone is aware and to give time for those eligible to apply for a virtual permit. We will also be issuing messages closer to the date each change is being introduced.”