On Tuesday evening I met with the Haringey Council Cabinet Member in charge of parking, and with parking officers, to put the case for residents of roads north of Ridge Road to be consulted on parking problems. I had previously written to the Council demanding a consultation – and residents had held a public meeting in the Hornsey Vale Community Centre to demand action from the Council.  Residents’ fear parking problems caused by new Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) nearby.

The Council had previously said that a consultation was a possibility in January 2012, if enough residents  demanded one. But at the meeting they agreed to hold a consultation as soon as possible – either in the Summer or September. This would be a ‘fast track’ consultation to see if there is support for being included in the proposed new Stroud Green CPZ, which would operate weekdays 12noon-2pm.

It is proposed that the consultation covers all of Nelson, Inderwick, Mayfield, Denton and Uplands Roads, and Weston Park (between Ferme Park and Uplands). If residents are in favour of joining the Stroud Green CPZ then controls could be implemented from November at the earliest. Of course, if residents are against the proposal then roads can remain outside the CPZ.

I know many residents are not naturally keen on CPZs – but at least this consultation will give everyone in the area their say. As ward councillors Ed, Katherine and I will do all we can to encourage all residents to respond. At the meeting I also raised the need for the shops, schools, park, community centre and Abysinnia Court to be considered in any proposal that comes forward.

The Council want to set up a focus group to discuss the proposed consultation and get residents’ input on the week commencing 20th June. If you want to join the focus group but haven’t volunteered yet then please get in touch – richard.wilson@haringeylibdems.org