Further to a petition, signed by 419 concerned residents, and presented to a full council meeting on the 23rd February, and the inadequate response from Parking Services Manager Steve Deakin, the group hopes for a more constructive resolution to the town centre parking needs.

The group points out that Frome is a small rural town with a limited amount of parking. Transport links are poor and are being reduced further with the proposed reduction of the D2 bus service. Many people who live in Frome need to commute to work, as Frome cannot sustain employment for all of its population, necessitating the use of a car. The residents permit scheme due to go live in Weymouth Road, on the 19th September 2022 (and other proposed schemes) will undoubtedly reduce the amount of parking spaces available overall for the town.

When many older residents moved to Catherine Street and surrounding area, there was plenty of parking available. There was unrestricted parking in Catherine Street, the Piggeries, Nunney road, Christchurch Street West, as well as the Memorial Hall car park, Badcox car park and South Parade car park being free to use.  All this parking has quietly been eroded for the benefit of private businesses and housing associations. The result of a non-existent parking plan, with no provision for existing housing and little if any public consultation.

Steve Deakin's response was the observation that demand for parking had reduced in Weymouth Road since the introduction of the signs and lines.

The group pointed out that the demand for parking had not reduced, as the population has not decreased, it is just that it had been displaced. This displacement has resulted in increased parking on Castle Street and Somerset Road amongst others. This has raised several safety issues, such a fire engine being unable to get through Castle Street, numerous examples of damage to cars of Castle Street, dangerous parking on both sides of Somerset Road reducing visibility, and increasing congestion.

Steve Deakin himself stated at a Frome Town Council meeting on the 16th April 2020 that: "residents parking schemes are only one option, and in some cases not the best option. However, the aim of this process is to establish what the best solution will be for the majority of residents. In some cases, this could be to do nothing."

The Group questions how the assessment was carried out, and conclusion reached that a residents permit scheme would be the most appropriate solution over other schemes. They are requesting transparency and clarity about the actual safety issues in Weymouth and all surrounding roads, and asking that a detailed and evidenced assessment of this be made public

The Group is also concerned that the parameters for the original permit scheme seem to have changed dramatically since the original scheme proposed over two years ago, for example, Somerset Road is no longer included. The scheme now seems to have been extended to Sundays as well, instead of Monday – Saturday, as originally proposed. 

Steve Deakin also stated in his recent letter to residents that the scheme will likely become permanent, implying a decision has already been taken, despite having currently over 400 signatories on the petition to request that the scheme is withdrawn and reconsidered.

The Group states that under the Experimental Traffic regulation order being used to introduce the scheme, the LA have a duty to consider all objections.  Also, that the original consultation didn't consult with the residents immediately affected by the proposed scheme, for example Catherine Street, Christchurch, Castle Street, amongst others.

The Group suggests a fair proposed way forward, to include:

The suspension and reconsideration of the scheme.

Identification of actual issues and severity for all streets in area. For example, safety, speeding, access for emergency vehicles, parking, blocking in of drives.

A review of all options including speed bumps, signage, and different schemes such as parking zones.

Consultation with all streets on which the scheme will have an impact.

Evaluation and then feeding into a wider comprehensive town parking plan.

The Group has sent a detailed letter to the Parking Services Manager, Steve Deacon, with Green Somerset Councillors Martin Dimery and Mick Dunk and Frome Town Councillors in copy. They hope that working together, a fairer and more constructive solution to Frome's Town centre parking needs can be found.

If you would like to add you name to the petition:

www.change.org/p/somerset-county-council-request-a-review-of-the-parking-scheme-on-weymouth-rd-and-surrounding-local-area.