Cabinet to consider new Fylde coast parking restrictions
A new report to Lancashire County Council's cabinet recommends restricting parking along the coast between St Annes and Blackpool to make sure people can safely use a newly constructed shared cycling and walking track.
Work has recently been completed to an off-road track on the coastal side of Clifton Drive North, along with improvements to help people cross the road, with a number of pedestrian refuges added along the length of the scheme. The speed limit has also been reduced to 30mph.
Public consultation was held in March on plans to introduce restrictions on waiting and loading/unloading along the sand dunes side of Clifton Drive North between Highbury Road West and Squires Gate Lane.
Restrictions on waiting are also proposed over the same length on the opposite side of the road, but loading/unloading would be allowed.
A number of no-waiting restrictions are also proposed for three residential estates which front onto Clifton Drive to deter displaced parking and ensure safety by keeping bends and junctions clear.
Alternative parking has been signposted as part of the walking and cycling improvements, primarily directing visitors for both the sand dunes and beach towards North Beach Car Park whilst also directing traffic towards on-street parking along North Promenade.
The report to cabinet outlines that a total of 36 emails and letters were received to the consultation containing 18 objections and 16 letters of support.
Phil Durnell, director for highways and transport, said: "The Fylde coast is already a popular place for people to ride their bikes thanks to existing routes being largely free of traffic.
"The new shared-use path and pedestrian crossing facilities between Blackpool and St Annes make cycling and walking along this stretch a much more attractive and safer option, particularly for more vulnerable users such as families with young children.
"The parking restrictions we've proposed and consulted on are intended to protect these new facilities and encourage people to use them by increasing safety.
"These are a revised set of proposals taking into account the feedback we received following an earlier consultation last summer, and are designed to be less restrictive by allowing some loading, and unloading, as well as addressing some of the concerns we received about displaced parking on nearby residential roads.
"Alternative parking is available along North Promenade and on North Beach Car Park, and we have improved the signs directing people towards this."
The report also outlines that, if the parking restrictions are agreed by cabinet, the county council will carry out a traffic survey during the summer to assess their effectiveness and inform any changes that may be needed.