Time to Scrap the CPZ?

A local resident outlines her views and ideas for a new borough wide parking strategy

Ann Pavett writes:

''Controlled parking is here to stay so let's bring some order and sense into it for the sake of the residents. I have worked out a new strategy for the borough and have submitted it to Councill officers and my councillors.  I was asked to get public support, so I am printing it here for your readers.''

A NEW PARKING POLICY FOR EALING, 2009

The current parking policy for the London Borough of Ealing (Ealing & Acton) is wrong.

It is both a financial assault on our restricted incomes (most of us, that is) and a personal assault on our ability to function freely inside our borough.

What problem needs resolving? Commuter/student daytime parking

What has been the solution? Cut Ealing & Acton up into a multitude of tiny zones and prevent all of us moving around the borough freely, as should be our right.

What is the outcome?

* Nearly empty streets patrolled by an army of traffic wardens

* Fines on borough residents who make the slightest transgression. At £100(50)-a-throw that is excessive punishment.

* Unnecessary paperwork levying an unnecessary annual fee for a parking permit

* Confusion, as each zone has its own parking hours.

* Difficulty in accessing local shops where there are few 30 minute parking bays.

* CPZ “creep” and arguments among residents.

* No solution to excess number of residents’ cars for evening parking.

How can this mess be resolved?

1. Cancel the zones
2. Introduce a borough-wide/Ealing & Acton(?) street restriction during 9.30-10.30am and 3.00-4.00pm Mon-Fri/Sat to prevent commuter parking
3. Issue each household with a maximum of 2(?) permanent(?) car permits for their street, showing car registration and street name, to display in car window.
4. Issue all householders with books of Visitor parking tickets, valid for one hour. Scratch out date and AM/PM. Charge: cost price of book
5. Allow permits for local workers and traders on application. They must justify their need for a permit (i.e. working mother needing to collect children, delivery van needed, etc). Charge should be for cost of administering the permits.

Why is this scheme better?

1. It gives us back access to our borough’s streets and shops
2. It is simple and unified
3. Therefore, it reduces mistakes and fines
4. It reduces costs to residents
5. It reduces administration costs.
6. Facilitates Park n Shop trips thereby helping local shopping.
7. More permits can be allocated to necessary workers/traders.
8. Commuter/student parkers cannot park

Additional thoughts

1. All new buildings should have underground car parks to alleviate demand for road space.
2. Encourage house owners to make hard standing for a car, but not to surface over the whole front garden. This gives at least 2 spaces per house for the evenings.
3. Standardise and sign the single yellow line restriction throughout the borough.
4. There may be a case for an additional evening hour parking restriction near TVU, 6.30-7.30(?)
5. There may be a case for parking meters in extra streets off Ealing Broadway, and Acton High St. (But free parking for street residents)
6. Increase the number of Council car parks, paying on exit.

Ann Pavett

Do you agree with Ann? Comment on this story on the forum