PARKING enforcement zones could be extended across Redbridge to stop Olympics visitors clogging up the borough's streets with cars.
The council is set to consider proposals to create Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) around every one of its eleven Underground and four overground train stations, in order to stop those attending the 2012 Games using the borough as a giant 'carpark.'
The move has been prompted by fears that spectators driving to the event will target Redbridge because the five official 'Olympic Boroughs' - including neighbouring Waltham Forest - will be kept officially 'car free' throughout.
CPZ's already exist around thirteen stations, including Wanstead, Woodford and South Woodford, but it is possible these could be extended or modified.
The plans, which would raise thousands of pounds in much needed extra revenue for the council, are due to be considered by cabinet members during a meeting this evening (Monday) at Ilford Town Hall - along with new proposals to replace yellow line restrictions with pay and display bays in some of the borough's busiest shopping districts.
Val Martinelli, manager of Lunch 4U Cafe in St Barnabas Road, near Woodford Underground station, said pay and display machines could make life easier for her and other traders.
She said: "At the moment we just have a single yellow line with a parking restriction between 2 and 3pm.
"Between those times it just goes dead around here. I suppose parking metres might help even that out.
"If they were going to bring them in they should make sure shopkeepers get discount permits though."
These views were shared by Julie Purnell of Finchingfield Avenue, Woodford Bridge.
She said: "If it stops the roads in Woodford being used as a car park that summer then I'd support it.
"But If they do include more residential roads they should give free permits to the people living there."
Traders in George Lane, which has had pay and display parking in place for several years, said the system had made life easier for their customers.
Luca Fiori, of Fiori's greengrocers, said: "Having the pay and display machines is better than just having a yellow line. Definitely.
"When people see a yellow line they are less likely to stop to get something. At least with the machines people know they can just get a ticket and do their shopping."
Nicki Swaine of Mr Simms Ye Olde Sweet Shop in George Lane said: "I think the pay and display is helpful.
"It could benefit other areas."
The officers report in tonight's agenda read: "Redbridge will be extremely attractive to car bourne spectators, workers etc (during the Olympic Games) from all parts of the country, attracted by good road links and the numerous stations providing direct access to many Olympic venues.
"Our current parking controls are totally inadequate to deal with these very real pressures, which are likely to continue beyond the Olympics as the venues become established.
"Urgent work is required to address these problems if we are to avoid becoming an Olympic car park and this might well be best achieved by extending the provision of controlled parking zones to all of our 11 underground and 4 overland stations (including those on our boundary). This work needs to start in early 2010/11 if we are to deliver before the Olympics and will require the provision of adequate budgets."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel