Residents in Leyland Road and Upwood Road, Lee, were perplexed when double yellow lines and a cycle-lane suddenly appeared on their doorsteps.
They initially feared that Lewisham Council had started to implement the Sustainable Streets proposals even though the final consultation stage hasn’t yet been held.
It turns out the Council was able to do it without a consultation and will now arrange what they call “a retrospective traffic order” – get permission after the work has been carried out.
Julian Hawkins, who lives in Leyland Road, told the Lee Manor Society he queried the new restrictions with Lewisham, saying ” The plans for the CPZ show a resident parking bay outside my house, and the subsequent notice about charging for the free parking bays did not mention any change except for levying the charges.”
He received this reply from the Senior Engineer: “The double yellows were installed as part of the cycle contraflow scheme and, as this is an advisory scheme, the installation of the scheme did not require statutory consultation.
“The double yellow lines were proposed there to allow a clear unobstructed area of the carriageway for cyclists to enter Leyland Road from Upwood Road. The no-waiting at any time (double yellow lines) restrictions will have a retrospective traffic order created for them.”
Julian said: “I have mixed feelings about the change. I am a cyclist and support reasonable schemes encourage responsible cycling, but am also concerned about dangerous cyclists. I just saw one on an electric bike doing well over 30 mph along Upwood Road earlier this evening, and I think this would be even more dangerous in Leyland Road.
“Also, it is part of a series of parking restrictions which seem likely to hit many ordinary people hard, starting with parents dropping off and collecting from Colfe’s Junior, and continuing with elderly and disabled people.”