A Salford mobile café owner could be forced off his pitch of more than 30 years if new parking restrictions go ahead in Salford Quays.
Generations of customers have, for decades, queued up at the Tram Stop Café which is parked up daily in Dakota Avenue.
However, the Salford Quays stalwart faces threat as councillors are debating plans to introduce parking restrictions in a bid to stem ‘indiscriminate’ parking from commuters.
Owner Lenny Leigh fears relocating could result in a significant loss of business and will be attending a meeting today (October 8) to object the plans.
He said: “I came here when I was 20 and I’m 53 now, I’ve been here nearly 34 years. Having to move would be a loss for my business.”
He could be forced to find a new site if parking restrictions being debated by Salford City Council today.
Neighbouring Nupharm, a subsidiary of Phoenix Medical Supplies, has applied to the council for parking restrictions, saying that vehicles parking on the street outside are causing a hazard.
It has called on the council to impose parking restrictions, arguing that parked vehicles obstruct visibility for drivers entering and exiting their private car park, posing safety risks for both motorists and pedestrians.
Council documents say that the mix of industrial vehicles and pedestrians going to and from Salford City College require clear visibility between road users at all times for safety.
Dakota Avenue, a small cul-de-sac off South Langworthy Road, serves as access to Salford City College (Future Skills) on the north side and several industrial businesses on the south side. While double yellow lines are already in place on the north side, the south side currently has no parking restrictions.
The council has proposed a ‘No Waiting at Any Time’ regulation under a permanent Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) and is due to make a decision on the move today (8th October).
The documents reveal that the council is considering how to implement new restrictions whilst still allowing for the Tram Stop eatery to carry on business as usual.
A report presented to the Lead Member Briefing for planning, transport and sustainable development ahead of the meeting, said:
“Officers advise the restrictions could be reduced to accommodate the catering vehicle to the east of the NuPharm car park access closer to Dakota South.
“This would ensure goods vehicles could safely access the industrial units and maintain visibility between pedestrians at all times walking to/from Salford City College.
“It would also provide an opportunity for the catering vehicle to remain on Dakota Avenue approximately 40 metres east of its current location, although the space could not be reserved for the catering vehicle specifically, as any member of the public would be able to park in an unrestricted section of public highway.”
Salford City Council was unable to reach NuPharm for comment.
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