Police presence and parking enforcement update for spring/summer 2021 - Saltford Parish Council

Due to the concerns raised by residents to Saltford Parish Council following periods of high visitor numbers to Saltford (please see our news article ‘SPC acts in response to resident complaints‘ in May and ‘SPC actions during busy periods update‘ August article), which residents also expressed to Saltford’s B&NES Council Ward Councillors, SPC and Ward Cllrs have collectively contacted Avon and Somerset Police requesting information on the police coverage Saltford can expect regarding patrols. This request was made considering the easing of current lockdown restrictions and anticipated good weather over the coming months.

SPC and Ward Councillors have stated to the Keynsham Beat Team that a strong police presence has proven beneficial previously, and as such has requested frequent patrols in the months ahead, especially along Saltford’s ‘old village’ and its river side areas.

The Keynsham Beat Team have responded to SPC and Ward Cllrs request recognising the need for this, stating: ‘Like last year, Saltford will be closely monitored and action taken to alleviate traffic problems and deal with any Covid breaches’. Further to this, the police added: ‘Like last year if there is a recognised need for extra police resources to patrol Saltford that will be arranged beforehand. That may include mobile patrols as well as foot and static points’. Further, numerous police posters are currently on display reminding those in the area to follow COVID rules, as placed in key locations by the police earlier in the year.

If residents have concerns that offences are being committed they are encouraged to contact the police on 101 or 999 as appropriate. Contact with police can also be made via the Keynsham Beat Team webpage. Dangerously parked vehicles and/or gridlocked roads are police matters. (Please note that Saltford Parish Council has no role or responsibility for road closures or parking restrictions).

Temporary parking restrictions are currently in place on Mead Lane and The Shallows (please see our visitor information page). Parking in The Shallows car park is permitted in marked bays only. B&NES Council have been approached by Saltford’s Ward Cllr Alastair Singleton regarding parking and highways traffic enforcement in Saltford, especially during periods of high visitor levels. B&NES Council’s Enforcement Team has responded to Cllr Singleton, stating ‘please be assured that we are aware of the issues experienced on the river side roads you refer to and we will be monitoring these locations’. Saltford Parish Council will continue to stay in close contact with parking enforcement over the coming months.

Further to his colleagues’ action, Saltford Ward Cllr Duncan Hounsell has also requested that B&NES Council’s ‘Covid Safety Officers’ patrol Saltford’s river side areas, as seen in other busy locations in the B&NES area. Any updates on this will be shared.

Safety of residents and visitors is at the centre of SPC’s concerns. As such, Saltford Parish Council has responded to the Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) consultation in strong support of permanent parking restrictions on Mead Lane and The Shallows to allow safe access for all residents and visitors, and crucially to ensure larger emergency vehicles can reach The Shallows and Mead Lane during time-critical incidents. This is further to the Parish Council’s environmental concerns at this location. To view a copy of Saltford Parish Councils response to the TRO, and information on how to submit your own response, please see SPC’s TRO news article.

Future communications on the above will be shared by Saltford Parish Council via its Facebook and Twitter accounts. SPC’s social media posts are also displayed on the right-hand side-bar of our website.

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