Islington launches Controlled Parking Zone consultation

Islington Council is to consult with residents and businesses over proposed changes to some Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) in the borough.

The review aims to protect parking for residents who, in many places, are finding it hard to park near their homes because of increased pressure on spaces since CPZs were last reviewed in 2007.

Cllr Claudia Webbe, Islington Council’s executive member for environment and transport, said: “Islington remains one of the lowest car ownership areas in the whole of the UK. However, the borough has very limited space for parking. We know in some places existing controls like those around the Emirates Stadium are no longer working, causing frustration and inconvenience for local people.

“We are looking to extend the parking control hours – some to 24 hours a day – to make it easier for people to park near their homes and businesses. We also want to ensure that those who most need to park, such as disabled and elderly drivers, are able to do so. Equally, we want to build a thriving local economy by supporting local businesses and enabling local employment but we want to balance this against the parking needs of residents.

“Our aim is to make this as fair as we can so we want to hear the views of everyone who has an interest or might be affected by our proposed changes.”

The review of parking arrangements, which will run for nine weeks until 7 September, is a reflection on the changing face of Islington. The borough is evolving rapidly with more housing developments, new businesses and ongoing regeneration as well as a rise in the number of people coming to Islington in the evening to visit the bars, restaurants and cinemas. In addition, the football calendar has evolved, with more matches on weekday evenings, and concerts are also hosted at the stadium. Current CPZs no longer offer adequate protection for resident parking.

Residents and businesses in the affected zones will be consulted directly and invited to comment via an online feedback form.

To help residents when family and friends are visiting, free e-vouchers will be available for use in the evenings in the areas subject to the new parking controls.

In addition, visitors to the borough will be able to park in pay and display bays in the evening for a flat rate fee of £2.40.

To find out more go more www.islington.gov.uk/cpzconsultation

Should the proposals be approved then the changes will be implemented in early 2016.