Council parking enforcement consultation: more parking and where is the enforcement?
I’m disappointed to have seen the questions asked in the Council’s Parking Enforcement Consultation. The questions were overwhelmingly aimed at car owners, rather than users of other modes; there were loaded questions about increasing the number of parking spaces; and there was nothing about the quality and effectiveness of current parking enforcement.
I am worried that the Administration is planning even more relaxed parking rules, while failing to resource enforcement of existing rules. The easier we make it to drive and use cars, the more people will do so. In a borough with low car ownership rates and high public transport accessibility, I view any proposals to further relax car parking policy as irresponsible and illogical.
Residents, visitors to and business owners in Tower Hamlets are encouraged to head to Talk Tower Hamlets to contribute to the consultation: https://talk.towerhamlets.gov.uk/parking-consultation/surveys/parking-enforcement-consultation#!
Summary of my responses:
For questions about Electric Vehicles, I highlighted that I don’t need to own a car, but if I did buy one, I would consider an EV.
Questions about parking were aimed at those who own their own car, so I made sure I registered the fact that I don’t use normal parking bays because I only drive car club cars in the borough.
Questions about the issues faced when parking in the borough were leading. I contributed my feeling that the parking rules are not properly enforced, leading to problems for pedestrians and cyclists trying to get around.
The question about allowing those reliant on cars for business in car free developments to purchase permits was worrying. Those living in car free developments are already able to retain their parking permit when they move from a non-car free property. In my opinion, car free developments are an important step towards reducing our reliance on cars, and we should only allow the purchase of permits at a relatively high price or in exceptional circumstances, such as those with access needs not qualifying for access parking provision.
I was also worried at the language used to justify car use: defined as “genuine reasons” – anyone driving in Tower Hamlets will already have a genuine reason for getting around. What I would like to see is action aimed at enabling current car drivers to choose alternative modes to fulfil their transport needs.
Finally, I added a comment reflecting my wish to see more accessible parking and more cycle parking in the borough, especially around shopping areas and high streets.
Previous post Category: Council-level work Category: Local action Next post