Residents living close to Elizabeth Line stations asked for views on controlled parking

Residents living close to Elizabeth Line stations in Redbridge are being invited to give their views about introducing controlled parking zones on their streets to alleviate parking pressure.

The opening of the Elizabeth Line in Redbridge is expected to increase parking demand on roads close to stations on that line, namely Chadwell Heath, Goodmayes, Seven Kings and Ilford, when it is fully operational as commuters travel from further afield to use new services.

Redbridge Council has written to 15,675 households to consult residents of those streets about whether they would welcome the introduction of controlled parking zones, which would mean residents paying for parking permits. The consultation will end on Sunday 7 August.

Cllr Jo Blackman, Cabinet Member for Environment and Civic Pride, said: “The council is taking steps to ensure the new Elizabeth Line is integrated as seamlessly as possible with minimum impact and disruption to the parking needs of residents and businesses in the areas where there are stations. 

“However, without on-street parking controls, commuters will attempt to drive and park in residential streets. This could result in severe congestion on the local road network, increased delays to the local bus network, increased pollution and residents and business owners being unable to park in local streets for long periods.

“We know that some residents and businesses already struggle with parking, with petitions previously sent to the council calling for action. One survey has shown that over 90 per cent of on-street parking space is already occupied in this area of the borough. As more people return to normal working after the pandemic, we expect to see commuter activity increasing.”

The consultation feedback will be used to draw up detailed proposals for streets or groups of streets where strong interest in controlled parking is favoured.

Residents and businesses can respond to an online form, and there is the opportunity to ask questions at various pop-up events near the stations.

Redbridge Council is one of the lowest-charging boroughs in the capital for parking permits. Where parking controls are in place, one hour of parking will remain free of charge to encourage shoppers, and short stayers, with longer, stays possible for a small charge. 

Redbridge Council has acknowledged the climate emergency and is committed to working towards being carbon neutral by 2030 and carbon zero by 2050. Introducing controlled parking within the vicinity of stations will reduce traffic congestion longer term. Commuters will be less inclined to drive into Redbridge to use our stations where controls are in place.

The online survey can be completed here.

The pop-up consultation events are:

Ilford Station – (York Mews, which is the side entrance to the station, IG1 3AE)

• Tuesday 5 July – 10-12 noon
• Wednesday 13 July – 4.30pm-6.30pm

Seven Kings – (car park by exit, IG3 8RQ)

• Thursday 7 July – 6pm- 8pm
• Saturday 16 July – 10am – 12 noon

Chadwell Heath – (Wangey Road car park, RM6 4BW)

• Monday 11 July – 10am – 12 noon
• Thursday 21 July 4.30pm – 6.30pm