The Penrith Parking and Movement Study (PPMS) is a collaborative project between Cumbria County Council, Eden District Council and Penrith Town Council, which welcomes progress and improvements to parking in Penrith. The PPMS is designed to improve parking in Penrith whilst seeking to enhance walking and cycling provisions between car parks and the town centre, employment areas and the rail and bus stations. The study began in November 2019 by collecting information to understand the usage of off-street car parks and to assess the demand for, and use of, on-street parking provision. It also implemented consultations with residents and businesses. Following consultations, the PPMS proposed eight packages of improvements: Package 1: Additional Parking Capacity Package 2: Long Stay Parking in Penrith Package 3: Town Centre Parking Package 4: On-street Parking (Residential) Package 5: Penrith Town Centre Improvements Package 6: Addressing Nuisance Parking Package 7: Cycling and Walking Connectivity Improvements Package 8: Travel Demand and Technology Improvements So far, the PPMS has been successful with the following schemes:
Residents and businesses have been invited to drop-in sessions, where plans have been displayed about the proposed improvements for Corney Place. This scheme will increase pedestrian space, create a pedestrian crossing and enhance the public realm as a gateway into the town centre. As a result of this pedestrian improvement will mean that Corney Place will be one-way southbound. The next plans are:
Cllr Keith Little, Cumbria County Council cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, said: “Penrith is a busy market town offering a variety of services and facilities to a wide rural catchment as well as to visitors to the area. “In order to maintain the accessibility and attractiveness of the town, an improved parking offer is required. “I am delighted that we have been able to facilitate some improvements already and look forward to seeing what happens next in Penrith. “I would like to thank colleagues at Eden District Council and Penrith Town Council, for working relentlessly to push these plans forward, which has had its challenges. “I would also like to thank the Penrith community for their patience and support so far and assure them there are lots more improvements planned.” Cllr Charlie Shepherd, Chair of Penrith Town Council and Mayor of Penrith, said: “We look forward to working with our partners in developing the ideas and plans put forward from the Parking and Movement Study including the LCWIP for the benefits of residents in Penrith.” Councillor Mike Tonkin, Services Portfolio Holder at Eden District Council, added: “Our research with the Penrith Parking and Movement study continues to make progress and we are receiving some really good feedback from the local community. “This feedback will be used to determine what the future of parking in Penrith might look like, as well as enhance walking and cycling provision between car parks and the town centre, employment areas and the rail and bus stations.” |