‘Local democracy is being eroded’: Residents block street as council introduces parking scheme without successful consultation
Residents came together to blockade a street this morning after the local authority imposed a new parking scheme despite overwhelming objections from the community.
Greenwich council began implementing a new Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) scheme in the Charlton Slopes area of Greenwich this morning, despite receiving 290 objections and only 20 comments in support of the proposals during a public consultation last year.
The main concerns raised focus on access to free parking for people attending community services and funerals at a nearby church, visitors to elderly residents, teachers attending schools nearby, and supporters of the local football team – Charlton Athletic – who use residential roads when travelling to matches.
Peter Conway, 70, from Sandtoft Road, said: “These are vital issues for us – our elderly residents rely on regular visitors and the church and its community services are a central part of people’s lives. Schools around here have such low retention rates for teachers as it is and now they’re facing parking tickets.
“It’s astounding how local democracy is being eroded – we were asked for our views, we objected and they go ahead with it.
“We are so badly represented by our council.”
About 7,800 properties were consulted as part of the CPZ consultation process and the combined response rate was just under five per cent.
Roger Warhurst, 78, another resident of Sandtoft Road, who joined the protest said: “The council complained about the lack of engagement but the consultation was all online. We have a lot of elderly people around here who don’t have access to computers.
“I have an old car which is ULEZ compliant but I’m already paying a lot of money and now I’m being charged £220 for a permit.
“It’s shocking in a cost of living crisis with energy bills through the roof. They just haven’t considered people like me.”
A spokeswoman from Greenwich council said: “The Council has been informed that the decision to introduce the CPZ may be subject to a legal challenge, therefore it would not be appropriate to comment.”
Pictured top: Greenwich council began implementing the new Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) scheme this morning (Picture: Peter Conway)