Residents Parking Zone (RPZ) Policy

Whilst an RPZ must meet our approved criteria, and whilst they may provide a better opportunity for residents to park near their homes, it is important to be aware of the implications of a residents parking zone from the outset.

Advantages of a zone 

Advantages of a zone are:

• it gives priority to residents to park in a particular area during specified times
• vehicles parking in designated bays in an orderly manner
• improved road safety due to reducing the number of vehicles parking in an obstructive or unsafe manner
• encourages the use of alternative modes of transport through limited on-street parking
• improved air quality through more efficient traffic movement and fewer vehicles

Disadvantages of a zone

Disadvantages of a zone are:

• no guarantee of a parking space even with a valid permit and you still may not be able to park directly outside of your property
• reduced number of vehicular spaces once parking bays are marked out in accordance with requisite standards
• a permit is issued at a cost to the applicant for parking, permits are not free
• may not solve the problem when there are more resident or visitor vehicles than road capacity, especially at night
• the introduction of a scheme may create or worsen parking problems in adjacent areas or inhibit commercial and non-residential activities in the area
• additional street furniture including road signs and road markings will be required for enforcement of the scheme
• cost of introduction and management

Any scheme implemented would need to be the most effective way of addressing the existing parking issue and be designed to balance the needs of the area so, for example, a commuter parking issue may need a different approach to an area where issues are mainly associated with hospital parking.