Herald - Issue 405

Page 64 • The HERALD • 22nd April 2021 v THE HERALD - PART OF YOUR COMMUNITY v Holbury Service Station Web: www.holburyservicestation.com Email: holburyservicestation@hotmail.co.uk Member of Good Garage Scheme.com TYRES FITTED WHILE-U-WAIT Budget and Branded tyres held in stock Long Lane, Holbury, SO45 2NZ Tel: 023 8089 3727 All Major Cards Accepted and Repairs to Cars & Vans MOT’S & SERVICING Our knowledgeable staff are on hand to keep your vehicle on the road in a safe manner • We offer all garage services including free collection and delivery from your home • We now offer Dpf cleaning - Injector cleaning - Turbo cleaning and Air intake cleaning to help your car run cleaner improving its performance and economy. • Good Garage Scheme – RMI – Trust my Garage Member MOT’s, TYRES, CLUTCHES, CAMBELTS, SERVICING, WELDING, DIAGNOSTICS, LASER-TRACKING. CARS, VANS UP TO 3.5T, MOTORHOMES UP TO 30’ 023 8001 0029 Badminston Lane, Fawley, SO45 1BX ‘Enjoy your Visit but Please Park Properly’, Tourist Communities Urge British Motorists Information supplied by British Parking Association Hopes are high that as lockdown eases over the next few months popular tourist destinations will see the return of much needed visitors to boost local economies. While local authorities across the UK are ready to o er a warm welcome, warnings have been made about a repeat of scenes from last year that saw a minority of motorists parking irresponsibly, causing chaos and frustration for residents and businesses in and around these visitor destinations. ese communities are now preparing themselves for another year of managing the increased demand placed on staycation hotspots, including providing additional parking facilities in anticipation of the higher number of motorists. As holiday makers, day trippers and shoppers make a return during the summer season, the parking sector, both public and private, believe everyone needs to play their part, by only parking where it is legally permitted, helping ensure that streets and communities are kept safe, free from congestion, and can be enjoyed by all. Government is also being urged to increase the options and sanctions available to local authorities to tackle the worst o enders. ese measures could see an increase in the top level of penalties, as evidence from last summer shows that the current rates are not an e ective deterrent to antisocial and sel sh parking. Caron Fassetta, Director of Communications at the British Parking Association said: “‘What we saw last year was unprecedented and there is good reason to anticipate that some people will once again ignore the rules, causing obstruction and endangering the lives of other road users, especially pedestrians. Safety is our top priority. If we all do what’s right, residents as well as visitors can enjoy the holiday season. In short, we’re asking motorists to ‘Be Kind – Park with others in mind’.” Richard Walker, BPA Local Authority Council Representative, expressed concern the situation could worsen if stronger action is not taken: “The real impact of so many people thinking antisocial behaviour and poor parking is acceptable is that it increases congestion, contributing to additional pollution and rising frustration from people living in these areas. Simply put - lives are at risk, as journey times for emergency vehicles get longer, disabled and visually impaired people, and parents with pushchairs are forced into the path of moving vehicles, and overcrowded destinations make it impossible for everyone to socially distance.” e BPA’s Sel sh Parker campaign encourages people to respect others and think before they park. Parking restrictions exist for a reason and ‘It’s not OK to park, where it’s not OK to park’. e BPA has some top tips for those planning to visit tourist hot spots. • Plan your visit – search the location for parking facilities and if possible, book parking in advance • Find alternatives – to the most popular parking locations by parking further away from your nal destination, this could save you time too • Park responsibly - only park where it is permitted, respect the people living in the community you are visiting and be kind • Don’t obstruct – pavements, private driveways, or impede access for emergency vehicles • Don’t litter - take it home with you or nd a rubbish bin • Don’t be idle – turn your engine o when in stationary tra c or when you are parked £0.5 million will be invested by Hampshire County Council to restore popular footpaths across Hampshire - this follows months of wet weather and an increase in visits to the countryside during the COVID-19 pandemic. HampshireCountyCouncil’s ExecutiveMember forRecreation, Heritage, Countryside and Rural A airs, Councillor Edward Heron, said: “ We are fortunate to live in a beautiful county that is accessible via an extensive network of footpaths. Many walking and cycling routes have seen a boost in popularity over the last year as more people have been heading into the countryside. This significant increase in use, combined with one of the wettest Councillor Heron agreed the funds for the path recovery programme at his Decision Day meeting on Friday 19th March. Public footpaths, rights of way, country parks and countryside sites in Hampshire have seen a signi cant increase in use since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. e recovery works will undertake repairs across the county over the next six months prioritising popular routes that have been most a ected by wet conditions and increased use, as well as areas in sensitive habitats. Hampshire County Council is nalising the details of the recovery programme to identify which paths will be prioritised for repair with work expected to start in May. Public information about visiting the countryside during the current COVID-19 national lockdown is available at: www. hants.gov.uk (Rights of way). is includes the need for people to stay socially distanced from anyone outside of their household. People can report issues on public rights of way online via Hampshire County Council’s website: www.hants.gov.uk/ landplanningandenvironment/rightsofway/reportaproblem winters on record, means some well-trodden paths need repair work to improve their condition. I’m pleased to confirm £500,000 for this restoration work to take place in the coming months so that these assets can continue to be enjoyed.” Council Invests £500,000 to Restore Countryside Footpaths