Council tenants on estates across a North London borough could soon have to pay for a yearly parking permit under plans put forward by the local authority. It will also mean vehicles parked ‘poorly or inconsiderably’ can be hit with hefty fines.
Brent Council have asked residents to have their say on plans to introduce a new Traffic Management Order (TMO), which would enable it to control parking on estates in the same way as it does on public roads. It claims this will make it “safer, fairer and easier” for residents.
If the plan goes ahead, drivers will have to pay a £50 annual fee for each permit to park in the areas, with them initially being limited to only the residents of each estate. Expanding the permits to include visitors would be reviewed once the scheme was underway and the number of free spaces is known.. Vehicles parked without a valid permit or illegally could be fined up to £130.
The council claims the changes are needed as drivers are currently parking in “unsafe and inconsiderate” ways, which is causing havoc for residents living on the estates. Documents released as part of the consultation also suggest it is hindering access for fire engines, ambulances, and bin lorries, as well as making it difficult for residents to find spaces.
Enforcement agents are not currently able to take action against drivers parking on the estates without permission as they are not allowed to access information held by the DVLA. The council claims the strict controls have “proven to deter nuisance estate parking” when introduced in other London boroughs. It would be enforced 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
A similar attempt to bring in greater enforcement was proposed by the council a few years ago. However, it received a backlash from those residents with a cultural tradition of regularly visiting their extended family and would subsequently receive fines.
The plans come as the council has revealed a need to generate more income due to spiralling costs linked to reduced government funding and inflation. The problems have been exasperated by a growing demand for services as residents struggle with the cost of living.
In order to continue delivering essential services to residents, the council has warned residents of council tax rises, as well as increasing fees and charges, ahead of next year.
As part of the TMO consultation, which finishes on December 13, the council is running five workshops to discuss the plans with residents of the 19 estates affected. Below is a list of the estates where the changes could be implemented.
Newland Court
John Perrin Place
Mason Court
Eskadale and Loweswater
Sutherland Court
Essoldo Way
Westcroft Court
Summers Close and Saltcroft Close
Lecky House
Gladstone Park, Mascotts Close, Sandcroft Close and Oxley’s Road
Rosedene
Frontenac House
Cavendish Close
John Barker Court
Gloucester Close
Lodge Court and Manor Court
255-261 East Lane
Rokesby Place
Stanley Avenue and Lightley Close
