Friday 5 February 2010

Fields Park Crescent - Community meeting


Last night in a small cold hall, over 15 residents of Field Park Crescent arrived to debate over parking burden and impeded road access for emergency vehicles.

The meeting went well with lots of inputs and an "Any other business" discussion that has increased our caseload. We summarise the meeting for the benefit of local residents:

Double yellow line implementation and reduction of Green Verge/Pavement:

Wilson read out an email received by him from Terry Bowe from Redbridge Highways Team:

"If you recall the introduction of these restrictions were made at the request of the residents via yourself. The complaint was that of dangerous parking and to assist the flow of traffic especially emergency service vehicles. The restrictions became enforceable last week and the Council's Parking Enforcement Contractor have been made aware of the restrictions and will commence enforcement. Unfortunately, no officer from the department is available to attend the meeting on Thursday evening. In relation to your comment for the request of reduction of green verge/pavement then on receipt of your proposed plan from your Mr Dossery this can be considered and you will be advised accordingly."

Residents supported the Double Yellow line, however they had wanted it implemented on the other side of the bend.

Wilson explained that when he visited the location with the former Police Sergeant Colin Smith, Colin in his risk assessment, had wanted to prevent the 4 wheel pavement parking abuse that was occurring. Funnily enough, all residents then supported the implementation, as this was one of their major concerns.

Residents complained that they would like an increase in the frequency of visits, especially during this early phase soon after implementation. They believed it would set a precedent and should curb the continued excessive abuse of parking regulations. They also questioned whether a parked car would be penalised, if the boot extended over the double yellow lines. A gentleman pointed out that wheels would need to be on the yellow line for a fixed penalty notice to be served. Residents questioned whether vehicles would now be penalised for parking two wheels on the kerb in other areas of the road. A complaint was also raised with respect to a local resident who threw a penalty notice on the floor - shouting that he could park wherever he wanted. The complainant was concerned that the vehicle may not be registered correctly allowing such insousciance.

Wilson confirmed that the council, generally, would not penalise such infringements, unless a resident complained. Wilson also indicated that he would be communicating with the Highways Team and would provide specific answers to all the queries raised. Wilson indicated that he would highlight the potentially incorrect/false vehicle registration to local Police for investigation.

With respect to the Pavement and green verge cut backs (designed by a resident architect) submitted to the Highways team -after much argument - residents agreed to pursue the plan for the cutbacks around the bend where double yellow lines have been implemented and to drop the other potential bays. Residents indicated that they would want the road parking bays to be classified as unadopted and agreed to submit a funding application to the Area 5 Committee, via the local NHW. Moreover, they have also agreed to accept ongoing maintenance costs for the bays, as long as they could personalise the bays.

Wilson agreed to cascade a draft constitution template and an area 5 funding application, to the local NHW Coordinator. Wilson also agreed to support the application when it is presented to the Area 5 Committee.

Any other Business:

A resident complained about the lack of street lighting to the fore of her home. the gap between lamp posts is excessive and unusual. The darkness to her property, led to someone trying to force her window open.

Wilson agreed to pursue the Street lighting team to see if they would consider installing another one. He also recommended installing an intruder light to the front of her house.

Concerns were raised regarding malfunctioning street lights on the road. Wilson agreed to contact the Street lighting department to resolve this issue.

A resident complained that the vegetation on the road was infrequently maintained.

Wilson agreed to contact the Aboricultural section, to uncover why this was happening?

The group unanimously agreed that they wanted trees planted throughout the green areas on the road.

Wilson explained that the Mayor of London had set up a specific fund for this purpose. He agreed to chase the tree section on this matter.

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