Walton Parish Council
Old Chester Road – Residents’ Parking Update May 2026
Old Chester Road – Residents’ Parking Update May 2026
Walton Parish Council has been in discussion with Warrington Borough Council regarding concerns raised about residents’ parking on Old Chester Road.
The Parish Council has supported residents in raising these concerns and has sought clarification from Warrington Borough Council on whether a Residents’ Parking Zone could be considered.
Following a recent site meeting, Warrington Borough Council has advised that a Residents’ Parking Zone cannot be offered at this location, as most, if not all, properties adjacent to Old Chester Road have access to off-road parking.
For transparency, the full response received from Warrington Borough Council’s Interim Traffic Management, Road Safety & Highway Adoptions Manager, Transport for Warrington, on 6 May 2026, is included below:
"Good Morning
After our site meeting yesterday, I can confirm that with the provision of off-road parking existing at most/if not all properties adjacent to Old Chester Road we cannot offer a Residents Parking Zone (RPZ) as the criteria is strict to protect those properties that have no capability of providing their own off-road parking. The criteria is strict as the statutory duty for the council under the Traffic Management Act 2004 is to make sure traffic moves as freely and safely as possible on the road network. In UK law, there is no legal "right to park" on a public highway. Under Common Law and the Highways Act 1980, the primary purpose of a highway is to pass and re-pass without hindrance. While parking is often tolerated where no restrictions exist, it is not a protected right even if adjacent or near to the vehicle owner’s property. In truth there is no requirement for the council to provide an RPZ at any location under any circumstance.
With that in mind our alternative on Old Chester Road would be to introduce timed bays opposite the terrace properties the duration of which could be agreed with the residents of those properties to maximise their access use of the bays and minimise the pressure of long stay parking for surrounding attractants. These can start from 30min stay with no return within 1hr to 12hr stay with no return in 24hours with any mix of times in between in increments of 30minutes at a time.
I am more than happy to support a time that best suits the residents’ situation here but unfortunately the restrictions will apply to all vehicles irrelevant of registered address or visitation of such addresses so there will be a need for some balance and acceptance from residents for this to progress.
If you need any further information please do not hesitate in contacting me at any time. "
Walton Parish Council will continue to support residents by sharing information and passing relevant feedback to Warrington Borough Council.
If residents would like any further information, wish to comment on Warrington Borough Council’s response, or have any additional supporting evidence regarding parking issues on Old Chester Road, please contact the Clerk by email:
