Cotswold Town Councillors Demand Urgent Review of Parking Issues

A significant call for action has emerged from Cirencester, a popular tourist destination in the Cotswolds, where local councillors are urging a comprehensive review of the town’s parking regulations. The current situation has been described as “out of control,” with residents struggling to find parking near their homes due to outdated policies and increasing demand.

Joe Harris, a councillor and the cabinet member for highways maintenance, along with his father, Mark Harris, who also serves as a councillor for Cirencester North with Ermin, have formally requested the Gloucestershire County Council to revisit parking restrictions that have not been meaningfully updated since their introduction at the turn of the century. Their letter was addressed to Cllr Roger Whyborn, the newly appointed cabinet member for parking, marking the first review of on-street parking in over a decade.

Cllr Joe Harris voiced his concerns, stating, “Cirencester’s residents’ parking situation is out of date and out of control. Most of the parking restrictions are older than me! Since then, more housing, more visitors and less enforcement have made it harder than ever for residents to park near their homes.” He emphasized the need for tangible action, urging the council to move beyond temporary fixes.

The escalating congestion has created significant challenges for residents without off-street parking, as well as for caregivers and individuals with disabilities. Harris noted that the last review conducted in 2012 identified numerous issues but failed to lead to any substantive changes. “The last review confirmed there were lots of problems faced by locals, but nothing came of it. In the 13 years since, many of the same problems remain, and in some areas, the situation has worsened.”

The councillors are optimistic that a new parking review can offer a modern, fair, and workable solution that takes into account the needs of the entire town, rather than just isolated areas. They propose an array of options, including the establishment of residents’ zones, time-limited parking bays, adjustments to yellow lines, improved management of commuter parking, and strategies to address parking on the outskirts of town.

The urgency of the matter has been underscored by recent discussions at Cirencester Town Council and a public meeting that attracted significant community interest. A forthcoming survey is expected to gauge residents’ views and inform potential solutions. Cllr Harris remarked, “What Cirencester needs is a transparent, consultative and forward-looking plan that finally addresses this long-standing problem and could act as a model for other towns across the county.”

The councillors await a formal response from Gloucestershire County Council regarding their request. A spokesperson for the council acknowledged the request for a parking review, noting that such reviews are extensive and costly, requiring detailed surveys and community engagement. Consequently, council officers have submitted a funding request as part of the budget planning for the fiscal year 2026/27.

The decision on whether to allocate funding for the parking review will be made by the cabinet in December, with the final decision expected at a full council meeting in February 2026. If approved, the timeline for the review will be established, potentially paving the way for long-term solutions to the parking challenges faced by Cirencester’s residents.