A proposal to introduce a controlled parking zone (CPZ) in Highams Park will not go ahead after an overwhelming majority of residents voted against it.

In total, 44 per cent of householods, or 1,030 of 2,320, responded to the consultation with 80 per cent (819) voting 'no' and a marginal 20 per cent (211) saying 'yes'.

There was no clear majority in favour of a CPZ in any of the 34 streets consulted, despite there being a clear problem with commuter parking in certain roads.

Launched during the height of the school holidays, the controversial proposal was the fifth time such attempt had been made by Waltham Forest council since 2001.

It offered only two CPZ options; from 10am-4pm or 8am-6.30pm, and the annual permit cost varied dramatically for a resident compared to a local business owner. 

Business owners argued it would be the final "nail in the coffin" for small shops. 

A hard campaign was fought by life-long Hale End Road resident John Avis and the Ratepayers Action Group (RAG) which was representative of local businesses and was re-launched to fight against the CPZ.

As a result of the outcome, deputy leader cllr Clyde Loakes, has said the "council sees no reason to consult with the residents of Highams Park further on the introduction of a CPZ."

Mr Avis, 68, designed and printed the 'NO to CPZ' posters that appeared in shopfront and residents windows.

He said: "The council has been given the same message every time, why has it had to take five times?

"Just leave Highams Park alone.

"We've been vindicated truly and are very happy with the result.

"I don't trust this council and I suspect they will try something again, but the RAG will be hot on their heels and will fight any unreasonable proposal that comes our way."

Besides RAG's petition calling for a public debate and consultation extension, they received almost 1,900 signatures from people opposed to a CPZ.

Situated close to Highams Park station is Coolgardie Avenue, where residents claim their street is plagued by commuter parking.

Despite the ongoing issue, it was not enough to convince the whole street a CPZ was the solution as only 38 households voted in favour, compared to 56 against.

Retired technician Malcolm Shykles of Coolgardie Avenue, blames the RAG for turning the consultation into a "political campaign".

He said: "The consultation was wrecked by a NO Group that turned it into an election campaign with posters, misinformation, scares, petitions and door knocking by activists.

"A properly-run CPZ that does not issue more permits than there are parking spaces would guarantee parking spaces for permit holders.

"Commuter parking is still an ongoing issue for us but now we cannot do anything about it".

Conservative cllr for Hale End and Highams Park, Sheree Rackham criticised the consultation as "flawed" and argued it gave residents hardly any options to choose from. 

Adding: "Residents have stood up to the council and I'm happy for those that didn't want a CPZ.

"However, there are still serious parking problems in certain roads where residents cannot park outside their homes.

The council has spent all this money but is no closer to solving any parking issues.

"We need to see a commuter car park brought back."