Parking curbs move closer in Caistor and Waddington after county recommendation

Fresh parking restrictions in two Lincolnshire communities have moved a step closer after county councillors backed proposals aimed at easing congestion, protecting bus routes and improving safety. Lincolnshire County Council's planning and regulation committee has recommended changes in Caistor and Waddington, with a final decision still to be taken later by the executive councillor for highways and transport. For readers in Lincolnshire, the proposals reflect a familiar balancing act seen in towns and villages across the county - how to keep roads moving and buses running while also recognising the pressure on parking outside homes and near local services.

In Caistor, the recommendation is for a bus stop clearway on South Street, operating from 7am to 8pm, Monday to Saturday. A no waiting at any time restriction has also been recommended at the junction with Mill Lane. The committee heard the move followed concerns about vehicles parked on both sides of the road, with officers visiting the area after reports that traffic flow was being obstructed and access to the bus stop was being affected.

Ward councillor James Bean said he supported the proposal, telling the meeting that a recent town council discussion had referred to a bus service being disrupted because parking was so heavy the vehicle could not get round the corner. In Waddington, the recommended measures are wider in scope. Hollywell Road is proposed to have no waiting restrictions between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Saturday, along with a no waiting at any time restriction at the Sherwood Drive junction.

Three bus stop clearways, operating at all times, have also been recommended for the road. The issue is likely to resonate with many Lincolnshire residents who rely on a mix of cars and public transport, particularly in places where road layouts leave little room for error. Supporters of the changes say they could help buses stay on time and make journeys safer for passengers getting on and off.

But the plans have not been without opposition. The council meeting heard there had been six objections, including concerns from residents who said the restrictions could sharply reduce parking options for households without driveways. That tension was acknowledged during the discussion.

Councillor Charlotte Vernon said she had tremendous sympathy for people who might no longer be able to park outside their homes, but argued that bus routes needed to be protected. Bus operator Stagecoach East Midlands also backed the proposals, saying the restrictions would improve journey reliability and safety for public transport users. With the recommendations now made, attention will turn to the next decision at county level.

For Caistor and Waddington, the outcome could shape not only where drivers can leave their cars, but how smoothly everyday travel works on two well-used Lincolnshire roads.

This story was adapted by The Lincoln Post from original reporting by www.bbc.com.