Parking Problems in Jesmond Vale

Residents across Jesmond Vale have contacted the Focus Team about increasing parking problems for themselves and their visitors. Some residents report not being able to park on their own street.

The number of cars parked during working hours on weekdays is a particular problem in parts of Jesmond Vale, given the easy access some streets offer to commuters working in the city centre. With most of nearby Jesmond and Sandyford's streets already covered by parking restrictions, Jesmond Vale is now one of the few areas locally where parking is largely unrestricted and free, both during the day and in the evening. As a result, parked cars are displaced from these areas into Jesmond Vale.

Some residents have also expressed concerns about cars parked near bends and corners, making it difficult for bin collection lorries and emergency vehicles to gain access when needed.

Provided there are no parking restrictions, like yellow lines, and they are not causing an obstruction, it is perfectly legal for any driver to park their vehicle on a street where they wish to.

Residents Parking Zone

In the past, residents have asked the Council to consider introducing parking restrictions in Jesmond Vale, but these requests were ignored. With the increase in the number of cars on our roads, and the size of cars also increasing, has the time now come for a Residents Parking Zone to be introduced and what does it involve?

What is a Residents Parking Zone?

The Council can introduce parking restrictions on affected streets to limit parking by non-residents - these can be limits on the times and duration of parking by non-residents, or restrict parking to residents (and their visitors) only. To consider introducing a parking scheme the Council requires that parking in the affected area meet specific criteria:

• 85% or more of the kerbside parking space is occupied
• Non-residents parking is at or above 1-in-4 cars
• Objection to the scheme is less than 34% in the street(s) affected

What are the Costs for Residents?

There are annual charges for residents parking permits - £25 for the first permit and £75 for additional vehicles. There are discounts for low emission vehicles. A visitors permit for people coming to your home costs £25.

What are the Next Steps?

Let the Focus Team know your view on introducing a residents parking zone by answering the question below. 

If the majority of residents are in favour of a parking zone, Cllr  Peter Allen, Cllr Philip Browne and Cllr James Coles will press the Council to take action. If the Council agrees to consider parking restrictions, they will start with traffic parking surveys to assess the extent of the problem at different times of the day. If the criteria for restrictions are met, they will then consult with local residents on the details of any proposed scheme.