Park users now have to pay 7am-7pm all week

It had been free to park on Mattock Lane at the weekends but new charges have been brought in much to the dismay of local park users.

Walpole Ward councillors have been questioned by residents about why the previously free spaces now cost visitors £2 to park on Saturdays and Sundays.

Councillor Ann Chapman said:“I was surprised when I was asked why a charge had been introduced for weekend parking in the parking spaces on Mattock Lane as this was introduced out of the blue, without any discussion, or even notification to local ward councillors.

'' It was not something we see any need for and would appear to be another example of parking being used by this Labour administration as a revenue generator. This does not help hard pressed Ealing residents and local businesses in these difficult times and reaffirms Labour’s anti-motorist stance.”

An Ealing council spokesperson said: “Proposals to introduce weekend parking charges at this location were approved by the council’s cabinet. Signs displaying the changes and inviting objections from the public were placed at the location and an advertisement was placed in the Ealing Gazette. No objections from the public were received.

“Parking enforcement helps to keep streets safe for pedestrians and drivers and prevents parking spaces from becoming blocked. Any surplus revenue from parking enforcement is spent on transport projects in the borough, and makes a significant contribution towards funding the Freedom Pass free travel scheme for older and disabled residents.”

15th April 2014