Lee Manor Society has learned that no final decision has been made about the Sustainable Streets proposal for all-day Controlled Parking Zones in parts of Lee.
A recent meeting of the Mayor and Cabinet agreed “for the Executive Director of Place to use their delegated powers to consider any objections received during statutory consultation on the permanent traffic order and make any applicable decision as a result.”
This led to fears that a decision had already been made to implement the proposed parking measures in several roads east of Burnt Ash Road.
Now, however, a source has told the Lee Manor Society that responses to the consultation earlier this year are still being considered and no decisions have been finalised.
This may result in the original plan for 0900 to 1700 Monday to Friday Controlled Parking Zones being replaced with less draconian measures.
The Lee Manor Society believes that while measures are needed to prevent commuters leaving their cars all day in streets near Lee station, full-fat CPZs operating from 9 am to 5 am are unnecessary. The Society argues that two hour bans from 1000 to noon in other parts of the ward have worked very well.
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.”
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.”
Lee Manor Society has challenged Lewisham Council’s Sustainable Streets team to meet residents and explain its plans for new parking restrictions and other measures.
The team was meant to speak at the final meeting of the Lee Green assembly earlier this month, but failed to turn up. At least 60 people had attended the meeting to find out more details about the proposals, which include possible all-day Controlled Parking Zones, Monday to Friday.
The Society has suggested the team could attend its next meeting on Thursday March 13th (7.30 pm at St Peter’s Church Hall). If that is not possible, the Society will arrange another date.
Since the end of the Assembly programme it falls to community groups like the Lee Manor Society to arrange face-to-face events where important local issues can be explained and debated.
Charles Batchelor’s letter says: “This is a matter of vital importance to the local community. Residents deserve a proper explanation of what is planned and why this particular format – full-day parking controls, extensive yellow-lining – has been chosen.
“Lewisham council does not have a good name when it comes to connecting with residents and the failure – at very short notice – of an officer to attend on February 6 has only strengthened that impression.
“I understand our local councillors, who it appears were as surprised as residents at the failure of sustainable streets to turn up on February 6, have contacted you to request a meeting.”
If you wish to encourage the Sustainable Streets team to attend, please leave a comment. You can also email Sustainable.Streets@lewisham.gov.uk or
