Scheme which provides parking permits for parents dropping off children to reduce traffic in Sandon Road, Grantham, has ‘proved useful’

A new scheme to reduce parent parking on a road with multiple schools has so far “proved useful”.

Further to an agreement between South Kesteven District Council and Kesteven and Grantham Girls' School, a new scheme to reduce parents parking on Sandon Road has been in operation for a few weeks.

Around 50 permits have been provided to parents to use Welham Street Car Park.

It was confirmed back in August that a joint effort by local authorities was being made to tackle the issue of on-street parking in Sandon Road during peak hours for schools.

A follow-up meeting was then held, with SKDC Councillor Charmaine Morgan (Ind, St Vincent's Ward) putting forward a proposal to use Welham Street Car Park to reduce parking on Sandon Road.

Coun Morgan said she was “delighted” that the permits had been secured, adding “whilst there is still parking on Sandon Road, this will no doubt help”.

“I am hugely grateful to all concerned for this joint initiative,” continued Coun Morgan.

“New plans to provide an hours free parking in Grantham car parks may encourage even more parents across town to park considerately if they are approved by SKDC.

“We looked at extending the Welham Street Parking Permit scheme to St Mary’s School but feedback from parents was that Welham Street Car Park is just too far for little legs.

“I am now in discussion with SKDC members and officers to see if an alternative site could be used. I have listened to some local residents and will see if any ideas are viable.”

A spokesperson for KGGS said it was “great” that the permits had been given out.

They said: “However, there are still cars parked on Sandon Road, but it is almost impossible to identify whether these are picking up our students or students from the three local primary schools around the area.

“We send out a weekly bulletin to our parents and students and quite often ask them not to park on Sandon Road and to apply for a parking permit instead.

“The feedback from parents has been good and we continually encourage them to ‘use it or lose it’!”

SKDC leader, Councillor Richard Cleaver, said: “We are pleased to note that this community initiative is proving useful to local families with more than 50 permits allocated so far.

"It is currently a pilot project and will be reviewed alongside the council examining its overall parking arrangements as part of the budget setting process ahead of the new financial year next April.

“This includes a proposal introduce limited free parking at SKDC car parks, which would clearly assist those needing to park for a short time to drop off or collect school children.

"Feedback is always welcome to the council and we always listen to councillors' suggestions on anything which might assist our local residents."