Barrow Island divided into two zones as new residents’ parking scheme begins
Barrow Island is being divided into two parking zones as a new residents’ scheme aims to improve on-street parking across the area.
The new scheme introduces Zone A and Zone B across Barrow Island, with the arrangements designed to prioritise parking for residents and address longstanding concerns about the availability of spaces. Each zone will operate with its own restrictions, meaning drivers will need to pay attention to the signs and road markings when parking. The scheme has been developed following requests from community groups and elected members, alongside engagement with local residents about parking problems affecting the area.
Both zones will contain a mixture of parking arrangements, including disc zones, designated disabled parking bays and areas reserved exclusively for residents holding valid permits. The council is currently installing new signs and road markings to make the different restrictions clear to motorists. The changes are intended to create a more structured parking system, with different parts of the island operating under specific rules depending on their designated zone.
One of the key features of the scheme is that resident permits will only be valid within the zone for which they have been issued. A Zone A permit will therefore only allow parking within Zone A, while a Zone B permit will apply exclusively within Zone B. This means residents using permit-only areas will need to make sure they are parking within the correct zone and displaying or using the relevant permit in accordance with the new arrangements.
The scheme will also include disc zones where motorists can park free of charge for a limited period. Residents have been sent clock discs through the post for use within these areas, providing a way for short-stay parking to be managed without requiring payment. The introduction of time-limited parking is part of the wider system being put in place to help regulate how spaces are used across Barrow Island.
Eligible properties on Barrow Island will also be able to apply for two vehicle permits linked specifically to vehicle registration numbers. In addition, each eligible property can apply for one visitor permit. The arrangements provide residents with designated permit options while also allowing for visitors to access parking under the new scheme, subject to the relevant conditions applying to each area.
The introduction of the scheme follows concerns raised locally about parking and the pressure on available spaces. Community groups and elected representatives have been involved in discussions around the issue, with the council working with residents and local members before progressing towards the new arrangements. The process included an initial engagement exercise and a formal public consultation before the traffic regulation order was introduced.
Councillor Peter Thornton, Westmorland and Furness Council’s cabinet member for highways and ICT, said the authority had worked with residents, local members and others to develop the scheme. He said the aim was to alleviate parking issues on Barrow Island and highlighted the level of engagement during the initial discussions and formal consultation. He also said listening to residents’ concerns and finding solutions had been central to the process.
Councillors Dave Cassidy and Anne Burns, who represent Old Barrow and Hindpool, also worked with residents and council officers towards introducing the traffic regulation order. Councillor Cassidy said a public consultation had taken place before the scheme was brought forward, adding that the arrangements had taken considerable work to develop. He expressed hope that the new system would help ease parking difficulties for people living on Barrow Island.
Councillor Burns said the parking scheme had been developed after consultation with residents and that local councillors would monitor its introduction. She also said ward representatives looked forward to continuing to work with residents during the first few months of the scheme. Monitoring the roll-out will allow the council and local members to assess how the new arrangements operate in practice and consider issues raised by residents after implementation.
Councillor Tony Callister, chair of the Furness Locality Board, also acknowledged the work carried out by local ward members in developing the scheme. He said the new arrangements would help address concerns about parking on Barrow Island. His comments came as the council prepared to move from consultation and planning into the practical implementation of the new parking restrictions and permit system.
The introduction of the new arrangements will mean a change for both residents and visitors using roads on Barrow Island. Drivers will need to identify whether they are within Zone A or Zone B and check which type of parking restriction applies before leaving their vehicle. The combination of permit-only areas, disabled bays and disc zones means different rules will apply depending on the location and the circumstances of the vehicle being parked.
New signs and road markings are being installed across the island ahead of the scheme taking effect. These measures are intended to help drivers identify the boundaries and restrictions associated with the two zones. Residents and visitors are expected to familiarise themselves with the new arrangements, particularly where existing parking habits may change because of the introduction of permit-only spaces or time-limited disc parking.
The scheme represents the outcome of a process involving local residents, community groups, councillors and council officers. The authority has said the changes were developed in response to parking concerns raised within the area, while elected representatives have highlighted the consultation that took place before the final arrangements were introduced. The focus will now move towards implementation and monitoring as residents begin using the new system.
With the new parking arrangements now being introduced, Barrow Island residents will have access to a dedicated system combining resident permits, visitor permits, disabled bays and controlled short-stay parking. The division into two separate zones means the rules will be more specifically targeted to different parts of the island. Local councillors and the council will now monitor the scheme as it becomes established and continue to work with residents on any issues arising from the changes.
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