Following a significant backlash from residents, Enfield Council has halted plans to introduce parking charges at Forty Hall and a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) in the surrounding Forty Hill area. The decision, which will result in a £50,000 shortfall in the council's budget for the first part year of operation, comes after a public consultation revealed overwhelming opposition to the proposed fees and parking restrictions.

The introduction of parking charges was initially proposed as part of the budget setting for 2025/6. The council aimed to generate an estimated £50,000 in income from the scheme during its first partial year.

The Culture and Environment Scrutiny Panel met on Monday, 22nd September 2025, to discuss the outcome of the consultation and future plans for the site. The consultation, launched on 24 June 2025, proposed parking charges from 9am to 8pm daily, with the first 30 minutes free and 10 blue badge bays.

The results of the consultation were decisive. Of the 2,043 responses to the Forty Hall car parking fees consultation, 98.6% (2,015) opposed the scheme, with only 1.4% (28) being supportive or neutral. Similarly, the CPZ consultation received 1,355 responses, with 98.9% (1,340) objecting to the proposal and only 1.1% (15) in support. The Public Reports Pack details these results.

Key concerns raised by residents included:

  • Affordability
  • Limited public transport options
  • Impact on visitors with mobility issues who do not hold blue badges.

Objectors to the CPZ also cited high permit costs, lack of necessity, potential displacement of parking, and negative impacts on access to local schools, churches, and businesses.

According to the Public Reports Pack, the Executive Director of Environment & Communities, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder, decided on 1 September 2025 to pause the implementation of both the car parking charges and the proposed CPZ, taking into account the strong feedback received.

Following the consultation responses, the council is considering alternative solutions to address the issues that the parking charges and CPZ were originally intended to solve. These include:

  • Extending the free parking period to 1 hour
  • Extending the free parking period to 1 hour and reducing fees
  • Retaining the parking fees scheme but withdrawing CPZ proposals
  • Pausing both projects