Manchester neighbourhood rocked by parking wars and crime could have a solution

Major parking restrictions could soon come to Ancoats and New Islington after a new scheme was unveiled.

It’s been designed after the area, often named as one of the world’s coolest places to live, was rocked by parking wars among residents and a spate of vehicle crime last year. Eventually, some residents of Weybridge Road took matters into their own hands and put up makeshift spikes to prevent double-parking.

“You look out the window and all you see is cars. You can't see trees… it’s just a car park,” said Jaime Lightbrowne, who started a petition calling for action, speaking last March.

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At the time, councillors slammed the ‘disgraceful’ motorists’ behaviour. Labour councillor Irene Robinson added: “Despite us regularly asking for parking enforcement in the area, it's a sticking plaster on the problem and we’re changing the rules on parking in the area to benefit residents”.

Now, the council has revealed its solution.

The ‘Ancoats, Miles Platting and Collyhurst permit parking scheme’ would mean only permit parking is permitted between 8am and 9pm, seven days a week, except in marked bays. Similar to other parking schemes, residents can apply for a permit to be used in the zone where they live.

Those without permits, like short stay visitors or tradespeople, can use marked parking bays for up to 90 minutes. Longer-term visitors will be able to apply for a visitor permit, or use the paper permits that residents and businesses can also apply for.

The plans are currently open to public consultation, and Liberal Democrat councillors in the area Chris Northwood and Alan Good, encouraged residents to come forward.

They said in a joint statement: “We've had to push back against several ideas that we know from our presence in the area and talking to residents simply wouldn't work. We're keen to hear your feedback and to make sure the council keep on listening, especially after years of failures to get this scheme delivered, and we encourage everyone to complete the consultation."

You can find out more and have your say online here.