Final RPZ to go live in January

The final area to be included in George Ferguson’s flagship residents’ parking zones (RPZs) policy is set to go live in the new year.

Spike Island residents and visitors will be charged to park in new on-street bays from January 4, marking almost three years since the controversial city-wide plans were first unveiled.

Ferguson has faced protests, vandalism and calls to resign over the parking strategy which aims to reduce congestion caused by commuters.

The mayor said the scheme had already been a success in other areas and hinted that it could be extended still, adding that Spike Island zone was the “last in the current round”.

Under initial plans released in March 2013, there were 18 RPZs stretching as far as Horfield in the North and Windmill Hill in the South.

But the plans scaled back to 12 zones, with the others put on hold, after the mayor admitted “kicking a hornet’s nest” by rolling out the plans too quickly. Critics also accused him of not consulting properly with the public.

The Spike Island zone follows the Southville zone, initially delayed but now going live on Monday, November 23.

The Spike Island operating hours will be Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm. The area includes a number of three-hour pay and display parking bays near shops and businesses. Parking in these bays is free for 30 minutes or will cost £1 an hour for longer stays.

Households are eligible for 50 free visitors’ permits per year and have the option of buying up to another 50 for £1 each. Businesses based in the scheme area can apply for up to seven permits.

George Ferguson, mayor of Bristol, said: “I’m pleased to be able to announce that Spike Island’s residents’ parking scheme, the last in the current round, will go live in early January.

“The roll out has done what I hoped it would do, with most opposition fading once a scheme goes live, and the majority of residents and traders being pleasantly surprised.”

He said the feedback from communities had been positive so far. “Even in its reduced form the RPZ is undoubtedly improving the local environment as well as helping to encourage a switch to public and active transport.

“As I suspected would happen, the strongest representation I now get is from some of the areas that asked to be left out of the scheme pleading to come back in.

“I am asking local councillors and neighbourhood partnerships to give me their views before reconsidering an extension to the scheme.”

The mayor has faced recent calls for bespoke RPZs to be introduced into Totterdown in time of the new 12,000-capacity arena by Temple Meads and in Horfield where Southmead Hospital has caused congestion on residential streets.

The cost of setting up the planned 18 RPZs was estimated at £10 million, which would be recouped over 10 years as the scheme becomes self-financing.

Bristol is one of the last major cities in the UK to introduce comprehensive parking charges within its central areas. Bus use has increased since the schemes have been introduced.

Top picture by Giulia Stella