RESIDENTS living in the Faringdon Road area of town say they’ve been left in the dark over new changes to parking restrictions – with many completely unaware that they came into force over a week ago.

Swindon Borough Council made an experimental order on restrictions within Zone C - which affects Maxwell Street, Chester Street, Theobald Street, Lorne Street, Tennyson Street and Milton Road – at the start of the month.

Instead of the parking bays being restricted to residents only, the council has brought in changes that will introduce ‘dual use’ bays that can be used by both residents and people waiting for a limited amount of time. The decision was made after residents and councillors complained about how the current parking restrictions were ineffective due to commuter parking.

A spokesman said: “The changes to parking restrictions have been implemented on a temporary basis as part of our ongoing review of residents’ parking in the town centre.

“It aims to maximise the number of residents’ parking spaces in the area and update restrictions in line with current guidance by removing the five-minute limited waiting period. Extensive consultation has taken place with residents throughout Zone C including two letter drops in May and July, respectively.

“Residents and business owners have the opportunity to give feedback on the changes and, based on this feedback, there will be the opportunity to make changes, if necessary.”

But those living in and around Faringdon Road say they’ve had no idea about the change brought in on November 18 despite permit parking being brought in to help residents retain spaces.

Sumeria Rafique, who owns Nawab Fabrics, said parking is a growing problem for her family and added she had no idea about the changes.

The 50-year-old said: “My husband has a blue badge and he can’t walk properly and he came in the shop one day to go to the bathroom and within that five minutes he got a ticket. There are people who come and park and walk into town or go elsewhere.”

Uplifter Nicholson, 56 who lives in Old Town but frequently visits friends in Tennyson Street added: “Generally the permit scheme works but I’ve noticed in certain areas like this one, residents aren’t even able to park so I hope it changes but we’ll have to wait and see.”

The order will be in force for 18 months to see whether the changes have been effective before a decision is made to implement the restrictions permanently.