November 2013
t: 01454 300 400
info@bradleystokejournal.co.uk
7
News
New car parking rules at Willow Brook in effort to improve shopping experience
T
he Willow Brook Centre in Bradley Stoke has introduced new regulations in an effort to free up parking spaces near the shops and deter long-term and overnight parking. Signs announcing the new rules appeared around the car park at the end of September. Two large signs on the access road into the centre inform drivers that a four-and-a-half hour maximum parking limit is in force and other signage around the car park (in the area around the recycling facilities and to the left of the main access route) define ‘staff parking areas’ or areas reserved for ‘staff and visitor permit holders only’.
Penalties of up to £100
Small print on some of the signs warns that anyone parking in a restricted area without a permit could be fined £100 (reduced to £60 if paying within 14 days). They also advise that Automatic Number Plate Recognition (APNR) cameras and manual patrols are being used to enforce the rules. Speaking about the recent changes, Willow Brook Centre Manager Scott Lahive told The Journal: “The system was introduced for many reasons, the first being that vehicle numbers are growing at a fast rate and parking near the main entrance
and trolley parks was becoming less likely for many shoppers. “We employ over 1,000 people at the Willow Brook Centre so a lot of the spaces were being taken up are by staff members who work a considerable number of hours. Many people would have noticed that previously a large area of the car park at the top end was always empty. This section has therefore been put to better use as a staff parking area. On average this frees up over 150 parking spaces in the main car park at any time.” “The four-and-a-half hour restriction has not caused any problems so far and no penalty notices have been issued.” “There should be little or no impact on customers apart from
a positive, as parking at the front of the centre is now more achievable than ever before. It has been staff members and tenants of the centre who have
had to adjust their routines.” “They appreciate that they are providing their customers with better service by doing so. We’ve had no direct complaints so far.”
Indepe n Financ dent ial Advice
To advertise in this magazine or on our websites, phone The Journal’s sales team on 01454 300 400