Red route could be introduced in Leicester neighbourhood to tackle illegal parking

A ‘red route’ in Leicester could be extended along Evington Road to monitor and control illegal parking. Leicester City Council has said it is exploiring the option of extending the existing red route in London Road into the busy neighbourhood.

A red route, marked by double or single red lines, prohibits vehicles stopping at any time for any purpose on the verge, footway or carriageway during the hours of operation, which could be 24 hours a day for double red lines, and 7am to 7pm for single red lines. However, it is likely licensed taxis and drivers vehicles displaying blue badges would be able to stop to pick up or set down passengers. The council said “safe parking spaces” would be created “for shoppers” if the scheme went ahead.

The existing red route in London Road is enforced by cameras and patrolling officers, as the new route would be, if it went ahead. No decision has yet been made on the plan, a council spokesperson said, adding that if the proposal did go forward, it would be subject to statutory consultation. Alongside the red route, residents’ parking is being considered for the area, to further help address traffic issues.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Dangerous and inconsiderate parking along Evington Road itself is an ongoing problem that obstructs the passage of emergency vehicles and bus services and creates hazards for other road users. We are working closely with local ward councillors on plans to introduce residents’ parking alongside measures to provide safe parking spaces for shoppers, to help address concerns about dangerous and obstructive parking on Evington Road.”

They added that while the vast majority of people who responded to a consultation about residents’ parking supported the idea, some traders had raised concerns about the impact the new measures might have on their businesses.

“A consultation carried out last year showed that over 70 per cent of 518 local respondents were in favour of residents only parking in the area,” the spokesperson said. “As part of the consultation, we also met with businesses. While they recognised that parking issues along Evington Road were a problem, they were understandably concerned about the impact that new measures might have on their trade.”

In response to trader concerns, the council said it had developed additional plans to support parking for shoppers in side streets off Evington Road, and that existing parking bays in Evington Road itself would be maintained.