Today, the 28th of March 2022, Rutland County Council is launching a public consultation on a new Parking Policy that will guide public parking provision in Rutland.

The new policy covers areas such as public parking capacity, infrastructure and enforcement. It aims to support Rutland's local economy and environmental aims by enabling residents, businesses, and visitors to safely access and enjoy local services and amenities.

Rutland County Council will shortly be seeking feedback on the overarching aims and objectives contained within its new Parking Policy. The consultation will run from Monday the 28th of March until midnight on Sunday the 1st of May 2022.

The new Parking Policy aims to ensure the safety of those using the highway, regardless of how people choose to travel. The policy also aims to ensure the efficient movement of vehicles through Rutland's two market towns and along key routes. Finally, it seeks to protect the environment by working in tandem with emerging transport policies that aim to support a reduction in car dependency, wherever possible.

Councillor Ian Razzell, Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport at Rutland County Council, said: "We're encouraging residents and businesses to have their say on the new Parking Policy because transport and how we get around are key to the health, sustainability and vibrancy of our local communities. Whether you drive a car, ride a bike or simply walk to your destination, the quality of public parking can have a big bearing on your journey.

"We are responding to what we've heard in the Future Rutland Conversation by taking an inclusive approach. We want to think about Rutland beyond roads and cars while understanding that these will always be important for rural communities. Better parking provision and better routes can help our local economy and our environment by allowing people to move around more easily."

Residents and businesses can take part in the consultation on Rutland's new Parking Policy and read the document in full by going online from Monday the 28th of March. This includes a Microsoft Word version of the consultation questionnaire, allowing those with visual impairments to use audio transcription technology.

For anyone without a computer or internet access, paper questionnaires can be obtained from Rutland Libraries or by calling 01572 722577 and asking to speak to the Council's Transport Strategy Team.

Interested parties can also email [email protected].

All the feedback gathered as part of this consultation will be reviewed, with a summary of the findings published online. These findings will then be used to amend the policy where needed.

Take a look at other initiatives being run by Rutland County Council, such as the Future Rutland vision, as well as the April Council Tax rebate.

We welcome opinion pieces, so to share your views with us, click the 'Nub It' button at the top of the homepage or email [email protected].

We look forward to hearing from you.