Lewisham Council’s Sustainable Streets team has rejected the invitation from the Lee Manor Society to attend its next meeting, so it can brief residents directly about its proposals for new parking restrictions.
The Society invited the team to attend after they failed to turn up at the final Lee Green Assembly meeting last month, to the fury of residents who attended. The team is conducting consultations in three areas, Lee Green, Hither Green and Catford South.
It told the Society “We understand the importance of engaging with the community and apologise that officers were not available to attend the meeting on 6-Feb, but were able to provide a written briefing prior to the meeting.
“Unfortunately, our officers are not able to attend a further public meeting outside of the original scope of consultation which has now ended, and staff are now utilising the time to analyse the numerous responses received. We understand the level of interest from residents who have been consulted and intend to publish the outcome of the consultation for the Mayor and Cabinet committee meeting in May where a decision will be taken on the future direction of this scheme.”
The reply went on to outline their plans, which included possible Controlled Parking Zones between 9 AM and 5 PM Monday to Friday. . “The aims of the proposed scheme are to improve amenities for residents, along with additional added value measures such as more secure cycle storage, electric charging options, more greenery and to ensure residents can park closer to their homes. All such measures would introduce double yellow lines to junctions to allow better visibility and improve road safety.”
The team added “Please let the residents know that we are taking their concerns seriously and are committed to ensuring that their voices are included in the decision-making process.”
Charles Batchelor of the Lee Manor Society said “The failure of the council’s sustainable streets team to agree to a meeting with local residents is disappointing but not surprising. All too often in the recent past – Leegate being but one example – local views are completely ignored under the council’s formal consultation process.
“The sustainable streets programme, as currently planned, would see parking controls imposed throughout weekdays from 9am to 5pm at considerable inconvenience to residents, visitors, carers and tradespeople. The two-hour parking controls in effect on the west side of Burnt Ash Road have proved very effective in stopping parking by out-of-town commuters with a minimal impact on the lives of residents.
“The proposed all-day ban Monday to Friday under the present proposals appears to reflect an ideological commitment to controlling car use rather than any understanding of local parking and driving patterns. Or any concern for the views and convenience of local residents, the people this council is supposed to serve.
“A further ‘statutory consultation’ is due in the summer. Unfortunately ‘statutory’ tends to mean ‘we don’t want to do it but we are legally obliged’. Once plans have got that far the council is reluctant to change anything. The Society will nevertheless continue to press for a face-to-face meeting with the traffic planners.”
