Bexley Council is set to review the hours of operation for the Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) in Elstree Gardens following concerns raised by residents about parking availability.
Councillor Cameron Smith, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth and Infrastructure, addressed the issue at a recent council meeting, acknowledging feedback from residents regarding the current six-hour CPZ, which runs from 10 am to 4 pm. This restriction was initially introduced on an experimental basis to alleviate parking pressures caused by commuters using the Elizabeth Line.
Councillor Smith stated that the six-hour CPZ was implemented due to changes in working patterns
and the fear is that the two hours may no longer be sufficient in order to prevent commuters from taking up the spaces of residents and impacting residents' ability to park on their own roads.
He assured that the council would be listening closely to residents' views before making any decisions on potential changes to the CPZ hours or the introduction of permit-holder-only restrictions.
The CPZ in Elstree Gardens has been introduced on an experimental basis, with decisions regarding changes to be made within an 18 month framework of the experimental order.
Residents' feedback will be listened to closely throughout this period.
Ms. Shirley, a resident of Elstree Gardens, highlighted the perceived disparity with neighbouring roads, such as Carrick Road, which has shorter CPZ hours. She also suggested that the council consider marking Elstree Gardens as resident permit holders only and removing single yellow lines and bays if immediate changes to the CPZ hours are not feasible.
Councillor Smith indicated that the council is reviewing various CPZ schemes in the Abbey Wood area and that feedback from residents would be carefully considered as part of the decision-making process. He noted that while some neighbouring areas have traditional two-hour restrictions, the six-hour period in Elstree Gardens was implemented due to changing working patterns and the ongoing need to prevent commuter parking.
The council is committed to gathering and reviewing all resident feedback before any final decisions are made regarding the Elstree Gardens CPZ.
More information on council meetings and related documents can be found on the Bexley Council website, including the agenda for the meeting where these questions were discussed: AGENDA ITEM 5 - Questions.
