THE COUNCIL has confirmed the new parking charges for some of its most popular amenities, after residents voiced their opposition to the possibility of an increase.

Redbridge Council confirmed that people parking at Wanstead Library in Spratt Hall Road will pay 10p for the first hour, £1 for one to two hours, £2 for two to three hours, and £3 for three hours or more from Tuesday June 1, with free parking for blue badge holders.

The charges will also apply to Valentines Park, Fairlop Waters, Seven Kings Park, Goodmayes Park, Clayhall Park, Ray Park, Barkingside Recreational Ground.

Back in January the Guardian reported that the council had decided to keep the charges low after residents objected to rises in the cost of parking at amenities across Redbridge.

This included a number of people who took their concerns to council leader Keith Prince during his 'Meet the leader' surgeries around the borough towards the end of last year.

Michael O'Hynes, 79, of Church Path, Wanstead, was one of the residents who objected.

He said: “I'm very glad to hear that they've kept the charges low and that we were instrumental in that.

“I understand that the council has to generate as much cash as possible at the moment, but nevertheless we still opposed an increase.

“I walk to the library but a lot of elderly can't do that and have to drive. You've got to think of the big picture.”

Derek Mathew, 82, of Grosvenor Road, Wanstead, said he was pleased with the new low charges, but is still worried about the phone payment system which has attracted so much controversy in recent weeks.

Mr Mathew said: “The charges are reasonable. One must expect to pay to park as these must be maintained, and there's a cost involved with that of course.

“That part of it is okay. But the thing a lot of people are worried about is the ticket collection machines in Grove Park and how you're meant to pay the charges over the phone if the machine isn't working, which has been the case for something like three months.

“I suffer from this myself as I don't have a mobile phone.

“One thing I and some of my colleagues are worried about the council gradually phasing out these payment machines and we're left with no alternative but to either park somewhere else or pay a hefty fine because there's no way to pay.”