Residents threaten court action over ‘illegal’ parking zone plans (From Haringey Independent)

Residents threaten court action over ‘illegal’ parking zone plans

7:04am Saturday 8th March 2008 in News By Caron Kemp

A group of Bounds Green residents have pledged to take Haringey Council to the High Court over its plans to introduce a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ).

According to angry residents and traders, the decision to implement the CPZ in 22 roads in the ward is based on flawed consultation, considering residents in only seven of the roads in favour of the scheme.

People opposed to the plans met last week, and resident Jay Ashra said the whole consultation process had been brought into question and the decision to introduce the scheme at the end of this month was undemocratic, unwanted and illegal.

The new zone, which will operate from 10am to 12pm from Monday to Friday, was originally approved a year ago following two consultations.

But the plans stalled after Enfield Council objected for fears of parking displacement over the borough border.

Last month, however, the Mayor of London Ken Livingstone approved the CPZ and the council was given the green light to implement the scheme on March 31.

But Shirish Sheth, owner of Bounds Green Press, in Bounds Green Road, has campaigned against the proposals since they were first announced and said he will continue to fight.

He said: "I have written to the council repeatedly about the unfairness of the proposed CPZ for local businesses, as the restrictions would make trading impossible.

The traders of Springfield shopping parade, which is a service road, voted by a majority against the scheme, yet we have been included. This highlights the illogical and undemocratic nature of this scheme."

Plans to seek a judicial review have the support of Hornsey and Wood Green MP, Lynne Featherstone. She said: "My understanding is a large proportion of residents were not properly consulted, and that is unacceptable."

However council officials remain convinced the CPZ will be a positive move.

Councillor Brian Haley, cabinet member for environment and conservation, said: "The consultation was thorough and the zone includes only those streets in favour of the scheme or likely to suffer severe displacement when it is introduced.

"The scheme is only operational Monday to Friday from 10am to 12pm so should have a minimum effect on any visitors and will not hinder trade.

"This will prevent commuters from blocking parking spaces for the whole day, as was happening, and provide shoppers with the opportunity to park."

John Oakes, Liberal Democrat councillor for Bounds Green, added: "From my extensive knowledge of previous judicial reviews, I would say this one stands an excellent chance of success."