RESIDENTS RESPOND TO MP'S SURVEY ON HILLFIELDS PARKING

5.25.00pm GMT Mon 21st Jan 2008

Solihull MP, Lorely Burt, concerned local residents and Liberal Democrat colleagues, conducted a survey of over 500 homes effected by new parking restrictions on Hillfields during a period of two weeks before Christmas.

The survey was carried out as a result of complaints after people received repeated parking fines for parking outside their own homes. Every household within the effected area was contacted and Mrs Burt received 290 responses - over half the homes in the area.

The overwhelming view was that parking restrictions should remain, with only 5% saying they should be removed altogether, but 2/3rds of all residents said a residents parking permit scheme should be introduced instead of the current ban on all roadside parking.

Lorely Burt MP said:

"Thanks you to all who took the time and trouble to respond to our survey. We received a very healthy response, which shows just how important local residents view the parking issue in this part of Hillfields.

"There is a clear need for parking regulation in the area, but people are telling Solihull Council loud and clear that they want a residents only parking scheme to replace the blanket ban on parking that has caused so many problems over recent weeks.

"The Council's Cabinet Member responsible for Transport and Highways has said that he will re-visit the issue in April, but residents who risk being fined on a daily basis deserve an immediate solution to the problem.

"I will be writing to Councillor Richards urging to listen to residents this time round and take immediate steps to move towards a satisfactory solution.

Mrs Burt will post a summary of the results from the survey to ward councillors and to every home in the area. She will also post the full survey on her website at www.lorelyburt.org.uk