Once again the process whereby Redbridge Council are addressing parking arrangements in Wanstead and Snaresbrook has come under attack.
The council was wrong not to consult on the parking proposals, prior to implementation but they have now agreed to do so. However, before the consultation process has even begun, voices are being raised as to the process being a “waste of time, if drastic changes are not made.”
It is difficult not to think that what those who shout loudest about parking actually mean when they call for drastic change is no change. Drastic change for them is the status quote, no parking restrictions at all – other than for those, like us in the roads around Cambridge park, who already have the permit schemes.
This immediately of course raises the question as to why some roads should have a permit scheme and others not.
The permits have worked in roads like Dangan, enabling those who live here to park in the road, rather than being crowded out by commuters coming in from outside. But why should we be paying for that scheme if no one else is?
The anti-any parking restriction groups also ignore other changes going on in this part of London. If they left central Wanstead and went down to Wanstead Flats, they could witness the line of parked cars that grows daily down Centre Road.
This is due to the comprehensive parking scheme brought in across Newham. Indeed, it would be wise for those who purport to represent everyone on this issue to take note of the growing Newham encroachment. It can only be a matter of time before those living in Aldersbrook start requesting permits in order to stop those from Newham using the parking space in their roads.
We also hear little in this debate from those who would like to see less cars and so less pollution in the Wanstead area. There are those who would like to see the High Street area pedestrianised, thereby making in safer for everyone to move around and healthier to breath the air.
All of these arguments need to be heard as part of the consultation process, it is not for one view to be amplified to the detriment of everyone else.
Unfortunately, to date the public debate seems to have been restricted to the voices of the council and those who want no restrictions on the car whatever. There are many other shades of opinion out there that simply have not been heard – it is high time that they were – not least as part of a proper consultation process.
Article originally published by East London & West Essex Guardian
