Waltham Forest and Redbridge Council will continue to issue parking fines despite coronavirus

Meanwhile, on Tuesday (March 24), Havering Council agreed to only enforce parking restrictions “that pose a danger to other road users”.

Residents in both boroughs have complained on social media of being unable to move their car due to self-isolation or that wardens should not be deemed “key workers” permitted to travel.

While both councils also say they will not fine key workers, yesterday five staff at an Ilford home for children with learning disabilities complained they were given tickets, although they have reportedly since been waived.

Read more: Council to clamp ticket-dodgers wherever they are in London

Staff member Chris Wright tweeted: “I currently work in a private residential home for children with learning disabilities & specialist health care needs.

“Today 5 of our staff (key workers) have got parking tickets from @RedbridgeLive. Nowhere to park as everyone’s at home.”

The original tweet has been retweeted more than 100 times and he later added: “All sorted now. Thank you to @RedbridgeLive for contacting me so quickly.”

Other Redbridge residents have also complained at receiving tickets, such as Kane Sutton, who on March 23 claimed he was fined for parking outside his house while unpacking food shopping.

He asked the council: “Why are attendants even on the streets? Are we not on lock down, what is wrong with you! I have family at home I need to feed and you're doing this!”

On March 24, Hannah Cowley told Waltham Forest Council: “Issuing parking fines when many of us have lost income is gross profiteering in the current situation. What are you doing about this?”

Waltham Forest Council's response

Cllr Clyde Loake, deputy leader and cabinet member for the environment, said parking controls are “a key tool in controlling and reducing all but essential travel and keeping people at home”.

He said: “Only those in key and crucial services at this time should be driving on the roads regularly, such as health and care workers, those emptying our bins and keeping our shops stocked with food and other critical supplies, alongside the fantastic volunteers delivering and supporting our most vulnerable.

“To ensure that we keep the roads clear for those who really need to be out, we will continue to enforce traffic and parking management that impacts on their ability to travel around Waltham Forest.

“Our position is in line with other councils across London and in line with current guidance issued across London, but we also know that our efforts to combat COVID-19 are fast moving, so things are changing all the time.”

He added that a “virtual permit system” allows the council to identify key workers’ cars so that enforcement officers know not to ticket them.

Redbridge Council's response

A Redbridge Council spokesperson said they were taking “a proportionate approach to parking enforcement at this time”, adding that some restrictions have been relaxed.

They said: “This is extremely important, particularly for certain key workers and emergency service workers, as we aim to keep Redbridge moving.

“We have set up an exemption scheme for parking on and off-street for key workers, such as NHS staff, the emergency services and community volunteers. This will allow them to park without time restriction or charge at locations throughout the borough.

“A number of restrictions have already been relaxed to help support residents who are either having to work at home or self-isolate. This includes the one-hour restriction on single yellow lines within commuter zones.”

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