Controlled Parking Zones

CPZs have both positive and negative aspects for residents.

I have no ideological objection to the implementation of CPZs provided that a majority of the households affected, proactively vote in favour of the schemes in their neighbourhoods. What I cannot support are flawed consultation processes, disregard for the Council’s own rules, and use of this device to implement the ideological mission to remove cars from this borough.

I have already committed to never opposing or campaigning against a CPZ where the majority of residents are in favour.

When reviewing new CPZ schemes, the displacement effect must be a very real concern as well as the effect on small businesses and the loss of parking spaces inevitably created by an increase in road markings and signage.

In addition, I wholly object to the “environmental” charge, brought in by the current LibDem administration, at a time when transport costs are escalating far beyond the rate of inflation. These additional charges have bought no tangible improvement to Twickenham’s air quality nor, have they reduced the number of large vehicles in the borough - in fact, quite the opposite.

Figures from DEFRA show that the majority of pollution in this borough is caused by aviation, pass-through traffic, and households themselves. This charge has only served to make Richmond Borough less economically competitive and more expensive, especially when the high levels of Council Tax and Business Rates are also factored in.

In addition, the new environmental charge has encouraged people to pave over their front gardens which not only looks unsightly and destroys small habitats, but also increases the flood risk in the borough.

In particular I have been involved very closely with residents in the two new CPZ schemes which are being introduced here in Twickenham:

Controlled Parking Zones information site

St. Margaret’s

An extension to an existing CPZ has been approved by the Council despite the initial majority vote against it. This CPZ is set to consume more of St. Margaret’s. If you live in these roads you will have received the second “consultation” questionnaire:

Orchard ● Chertsey ● Brook ● Bridge ● St. Margaret’s ● Moor Mead ● Hill View ● Cole Park View ● Godstone ● Kenley ● Sidney ● Winchester ● South Western ● St. Margaret’s Grove

Although the scheme has been approved, the Council has committed to reviewing it after an initial period (3-6 months). Please get in touch with me to give me your views on how the scheme has affected you, or, if you wish to protest, write to the council to: The Head of Transport Planning Service, London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, Civic Centre, 44 York Street, Twickenham, TW1 3BZ.

If you support my campaign please download the poster and stick it in your window to show that you will not be bullied by an unfair consultative process.

“No to CPZ” poster.

St. Margaret’s community site

Teddington

Similarly to St. Margaret’s, the Teddington CPZ was introduced on 16th June 2008. The area around the station has acknowledged parking problems for residents but the current scheme has created more by moving the problem from one set of streets to another. It hasn’t really solved the issues and again, those who didn’t vote were interpreted to have approved the scheme.

Please get in touch with me to give me your views on how the scheme has affected you, or, if you wish to protest, write to the council to: The Head of Transport Planning Service, London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, Civic Centre, 44 York Street, Twickenham, TW1 3BZ.

If you support my campaign please download the poster and stick it in your window to show that you will not be bullied by an unfair consultative process.

“No to CPZ” poster and information.

The Teddington Society
 

Deborah Thomas

Conservative Parliamentary Candidate for Twickenham

Contact me
Tel: 020 8878 7866
Fax: 020 8878 5054
Mobile: 07590 642038

You can write to me at:

372 Upper Richmond Road West
East Sheen, London, SW14 7JU or send an e-mail to:

deborah@deborah4twickenham.com

Please contact me directly for details of campaigning, social events, other political activities or if you would like to become more involved.

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