Kinked George Hospital - overspill parking solution

At the recent Area 5 Committee the London Borough of Redbridge Highway Team reported back on their solutions, to alleviate the increased parking burden, on roads surrounding King George Hospital. Most of the residents indicated great dissatisfaction against their proposals. In the meeting our Liberal Councillors backed a hard line approach to resident objections. The Ilford recorder reported (click here)



I asked a lead Highways Officer for a clearer report and queried the feasibility for a Public Meeting:





Dear Wilson



The correct vehicle for addressing this issue is through the Area Committee process and any decision for the introduction of parking measures is for the approval of the Members of Area 5 Committee.



At the request of residents and the Area 5 Committee we have already carried out an area wide consultation on the proposed options of introducing parking controls in this area to address issues of displaced parking from King George Hospital. As you already state the outcome of that consultation was reported to the last meeting of Area 5 where there was no overwhelming support for parking/permit controls. Members have now agreed the recommendations based on the results. The only areas that we will look at is the treatment of some junctions with at "any time restrictions" and introduction of single yellow line waiting restrictions in some locations on the grounds of safety or restricted access.



Whilst there was a good return to the consultation questionnaire with a 35% response rate there remained some 65% of residents in the area consulted that did not take the opportunity to make their views and support the introduction parking controls by completing and returning the survey. They also had plenty of opportunity to attend the Area 5 meeting and have their say about the options available.



I'm sorry but it is not appropriate for my officers to attend a public meeting to discuss options for the parking issues in the Barley Lane area, as this matter has now been agreed by the area committee.



Thanks.

Still unsure of their proposals and worried that local residents might be forced by Councillors and Highways staff, to accept detrimental parking conditions, I asked;

"Could you map out the essential changes to corners and "safety need" areas, so that I can take this to residents and then decide on the need for protest?"

The Lead Officer's response was as follows:



"This is currently on my programme of work and seeking section 106 funding. Will keep you advised as soon as we have the details."



I will of course keep residents updated and will assist with further political action against any bullying.