Present Councillors B Alexandre, P Ashcroft, G Carr-Jones, J Cowley, J Cox,
K Garland, D Grimes, R Penfold, J Smith, J Wardell and W Batty-Smith (Chairman).
D J Hine (Clerk)

In attendance C Cllr D Fox, Mr A Jowsey DCC and approximately 50 residents

To receive apologies None

Declarations of Interest None

To discuss parking restrictions in the High Street

The Chairman introduced Mr A Jowsey who is a Technical Officer of the Traffic Regulation Team of the Parking Services Dept., of DCC. Mr Jowsey explained that he deals with “on-street” parking issues and is based in Blandford with the Parking Enforcement Dept. He advised that 41 letters of objection and various petitions had been received regarding the original proposals which raised various issues. One concerned parking for Disabled Badge holders and he pointed out that they can park on double yellow lines for up to 3 hours. These objections resulted in an informal meeting with the Town Council which produced the two options on show plus, of course, the third option which is to do nothing.

Members of the public raised various issues and Mr Jowsey pointed out that the DCC are obliged to take notice of the Town Council in the matter, that there is no legal restriction on parking near a road junction (only a recommendation in the Highway Code) and that to specify an alternative route for Heavy Good Vehicles would be very difficult to justify and enforce.

The Chairman then advised all present that no further comments would be taken from the public and that the Councillors would make a decision on the matter.

After some discussion J Cowley proposed and D Grimes seconded that Option One be requested (basically, double yellow lines on the eastern side of the High Street and on the corners of Barrow Hill, Silk House Barton and Gold Street, plus limited waiting outside Candys) a vote resulted in 5 in favour and 5 against. The Chairman cast his vote in favour of Option 1 and the motion was therefore carried.

There being no further business the meeting closed at 9-45 p.m.