FEARS that a new housing estate could worsen traffic problems around Technology Drive have led to calls for new parking restrictions, and more spaces at Rugby Train Station.
Residents say the road has become dangerous because a shortage of parking at the nearby station has led commuters to park their cars there.
Because the road has not been ‘adopted’ by Warwickshire County Council, parking restrictions cannot be introduced at public expense.
And the problem is expected to get worse after planning approval was granted last week to build up to 175 new homes on land south of Technology Drive.
MP Mark Pawsey said he had been contacted by a number of residents who were worried about the issue.
He said: “I have seen the situation around Technology Drive getting steadily worse over the past two years.
“Due to parked vehicles, the road is extremely narrow and given the volume of traffic during a normal working day, there is a serious risk of a major accident
“We now need to recognise that it has become a very dangerous situation for residents, commuters and students at Warwickshire College’s Rugby site.
“In light of the additional housing that has now been approved, it is clear that traffic in the area will only continue to increase in the future. This strengthens the case for implementing parking enforcement measures on Technology Drive as soon as possible.”
He added he had asked Warwickshire Country Council to introduce parking restrictions, and Virgin Trains to improve parking at the station.
A spokesperson from Warwickshire County Council said: “At present Technology Drive is unadopted and therefore the normal application process for the introduction of parking restrictions does not apply.
“We are aware of the concerns raised by Mark Pawsey MP and officers are investigating these concerns.”
A Virgin Trains spokesperson added: “With more and more people now choosing to travel by train, we have seen unprecedented demand for car parking spaces at Rugby station.
“We are working hard with all local stakeholders to address the need for additional capacity. We spoke with Mr Pawsey and are hopeful of having some positive news to share in the next few weeks.”
Unadopted roads can be adopted at both the request of the highway authority and of the road’s residents.
