What's Happening in Reading, England…

Drivers in Reading are being encouraged to participate in a debate about the relief of parking difficulties in the town.

Reading Borough Council (RBC) is seeking comments from residents with a view to altering parking arrangements going forward, which is the sort of scheme where a printing company might be able to raise awareness of its policy. Tony Jones, who will look at the issue for RBC, has explained the reasoning behind the need for the consultation to Get Reading, saying:

"Reading is a major destination for employment and shopping. Set alongside the explosion in car ownership, the number of houses converted into flats and an increasing population, the impact on limited parking spaces is clear.”

Councillor Jones is to head a scrutiny panel that will aim to determine whether or not the existing parking permit system is delivering the goods. At the moment, approximately 13,000 households are involved in the permit initiative. These residents are located within 19 parking zones.

Currently, those households covered by the permit policy can possess two permits, only one of which does not come with a charge attached. Councillor Jones has revealed that residents can have problems trying to park close to their homes.

The scrutiny group intends to take on board some of the ideas of the public. It will then move forward on a cross-party basis. Recommendations for improvements to the parking situation in Reading may then be made.