A council cabinet has agreed to a revised parking strategy after input from the public.

The updated policy, titled Rutland Parking Strategy 2026, considers emerging pressures around parking provision and infrastructure in Rutland, including future demand and accessibility requirements.

By taking these challenges into account, the policy should grant Rutland County Council greater leeway to address them in the future.

Speaking at the cabinet meeting on Tuesday (October 12), transport member Cllr Oliver Hemsley said: "80 per cent of 213 respondents agreed with our strategic vision throughout the public consultation, and I support the strategy as it will allow decision making to reflect the longer term needs of our communities.

"We have a duty to provide the users of our highways with safety. This document will help guide people to understand what can and cannot be done."

Rutland Parking Strategy 2026 lays out a plan to address capacity issues by annually reviewing Rutland's parking provision make up while upgrading signage to make finding parking spaces easier.

The policy also commits to investigating park and ride opportunities "when suitable land becomes available".

Addressing the cabinet, Cllr Tim Smith, who holds the council portfolio for children and families, raised the issue of parking close to schools.

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Throughout the public consultation, 69 per cent of respondents highlighted school parking as either a major or moderate problem.

Cllr Smith described the congestion around his own village at pick up and drop off times as "chaos".

To combat the issue, Rutland Parking Strategy 2026 will mandate all new school developments include a travel strategy with any planning application.

To ease congestion around existing premises, schools must also engage with local communities to promote active transport methods, according to the policy wording.

Where the council identifies a significant problem, it will support with a package of measures, including "park and stride" endorsement, active travel promotion, clearer markings and a review of restrictions.

Rutland Parking Strategy 2026 was agreed to by the cabinet with unanimous approval.