Changes to parking rules in Waterford imminent
The resident permit fee is increasing for the first time in 30 years. Photo: iStock
A review of the metropolitan district of Waterford’s parking by-laws is underway. A Waterford City and County Council executive gave an overview of the main changes at a recent meeting of the Metropolitan District Council.
Standard parking charges will now apply to electric vehicles that are charging, “to ensure turnover spaces”. They are also planning to introduce a formal provision for car clubs.
They are also addressing issues of overnight parking of campervans and motorhomes. The new laws will mean that caravans and motorhomes can only park from 10pm and 8am in certain areas with the designated signage. The council are also proposing an introduction of a limit of one special permit per vehicle and a maximum of four per household to help reduce congestion.
The resident permit fee is set to increase for the first time in 30 years from €15 to €20.
Mayor of Waterford Cllr Seamus Ryan asked the council for the reason for the increase in the permit fee. Cllr Adam Wyse added that just because it hasn’t been increased in 30 years, “is not a justification.”
A council executive said that there is “no income” on the permit, and that the increase in price is just to cover administrative costs.
Cllr Mary Roche asked if the council had considered the financial implications of discontinuing charging for late night parking on a Friday evening. Cllr Roche said, “If we were to take away charges for parking at that time, it mightn’t affect us all that much and it would be a bit of a stimulus to encourage people to come to town on a Friday night."
Cllr Joeanne Bailey raised an issue with the maximum of four permits per household. She said, “We have a growing student population, and I know when I was a student, there was six of us in a house and we all had cars. What happens to the two extra students who want to park their cars?”
A council executive replied that, “when you look at the current situation, it really is that we're trying to balance the needs to provide for business, retailers, shoppers and residents.”
Members of the public can make submissions in relation to these proposed changes which will be reviewed by Waterford City and County Council. The closing date for submissions is May 20.
