Parking joy near shops in Soilhull

Sep 9 2008 By Kat Keogh

SHOPPERS in Solihull are set to have free parking after 3,000 people signed a petition.

Thirty spaces are to be created near Hobs Moat shopping centre after consultations involving shoppers, traders and councillors.

The new spaces were given the green light in a bid to resolve parking issues after Solihull Ice Rink and a nearby pub withdrew their free public car parking.

Parking spots will be built on the site of grass verges on the north and south side of the junction at Hobs Moat Road and Ulleries Road.

The scheme is expected to cost £133,000 with £85,000 of funding expected to come from the borough council’s Red Routes project and a further £35,000 from the Local Transport Plan.

It is hoped that the project, which will also include landscaping the area by planting new trees and planters and improving lighting, will be completed by the end of November.

Drivers’ waiting time will be limited to two hours. Four disabled parking bays will allow disabled badge holders a waiting time of three hours.

The current “no waiting” restrictions will also be extended from the service road to the entrance of the new car park.

Transport, Highways and Infrastructure cabinet member Coun Ted Richards (pictured) said:

“People came to us with their concerns about parking around Hobs Moat shopping centre and we have listened.

“We hope that this new scheme will create a convenient and safe area for residents and visitors who wish to use the shopping centre.”