Dear Spurtle,
I’m writing as a concerned local from Young Street (EH2) regarding a recent and highly disruptive change to the parking layout on our street.
This is a change which appears to have been introduced without any meaningful consultation or accessible public notification.
Relocation of parking
In the week starting 8 September, Council contractors repainted the parking bays, relocating all parking from the south side of Young Street to the north side.
This was accompanied by extensive noise, street works and the installation of new street furniture which now permanently alters the appearance of the buildings along the north side. Again, all this with no meaningful prior notice to residents or local businesses.
As I understand it, this change was raised during a Traffic Regulation Orders Subcmte meeting in May 2025, as part of the wider Parking Action Plan – Waiting and Loading Restrictions on Main Traffic Routes.
According to the minutes, Young Street was among the streets which registered no objections to the proposed changes … unsurprising, since no one here knew anything about them.
Poor communication
The process was not clearly communicated, notices were not delivered and the plans were not made easily accessible online or advertised in any meaningful way.
The rationale now being cited by the contractors on-site (we have had no direct contact from the official who is our supposed main point of contact) is that the relocation was required to facilitate deliveries to the Cambridge Bar, specifically to allow access for beer barrels.
In the past, this was handled by a single yellow line/loading bay on the north side, which the Council removed to allow for more parking in connection with the pedestrianisation of George Street.
Sledgehammer
Rather than reinstating a more targeted solution (e.g. double yellow lines or a designated loading zone), the Council appears to have treated a minor logistical issue with a sledgehammer, displacing the entire street’s parking layout and introducing permanent infrastructure in the process.
In addition, the lorries bringing deliveries now just park on the double yellow lines and block the entire carriageway for the duration of the delivery process.
To be clear: Young Street is now the only street in the area (including Hill Street and Thistle Street) with parking on the north side. All neighbouring streets have retained south-side parking. The implications for deliveries, building access and the historic character of the street are being felt immediately and acutely.
Early September was extremely difficult due to constant noise, confusion and a lack of clarity about where vehicles might park. There is growing frustration among both residents and visitors.
Self-contradictory Council
Most importantly, this approach appears to directly contradict the Council’s own stated procedures. The Integrated Impact Assessment (IIA) for the Parking Action Plan states: 'Traffic Regulation Orders (TROs) are advertised publicly … street notices are erected … residents, businesses and any interested party are able to comment on or object to proposals'.
None of this took place here. The only advance notice said 'line painting', with no indication of permanent change, no contact details and no opportunity to raise concerns or ask questions.
Help!
Given Spurtle's track record of exposing poor communication, planning inconsistencies and civic oversights, I wondered whether this might be of interest. I would welcome your scrutiny and I believe the wider community deserves to know how and why this change was pushed through. Especially if it sets a precedent for how similar works may be, will be and are handled elsewhere by the Council.
Flora McPhail
Response from the Editor: Dear Ms McPhail, Young Street is outwith our core area of news reportage, but your catalogue of (at best) poor Council communications is depressingly familiar and worth sharing. We will alert other local media to your concerns.