Striking a balance on parking issues

12:03pm Friday 24th November 2000

Recent letters in the News Shopper about parking controls illustrate the difficulties facing the Council in trying to strike a balance between different priorities among local people.

Mr McIvor (News Shopper November 1) feels the Millennium controlled parking zone has protected residents, and wants the restrictions to continue. Mr Murphy (News Shopper October 25), on the other hand wants us to remove not just the controlled bays, but also the single yellow lines from the area where he lives. Both will, I trust, be taking part in the Councils consultation exercise.

The more people who respond, the better the Council will be able to reflect local peoples views. The desire by most people in the area to see the end of controlled parking bays does not necessarily mean they agree with Mr Murphy in wanting to see the removal of yellow lines.

These have prevented potentially dangerous and obstructive parking at junctions and access points, and the police report a reduction in accidents in several areas.

No accident study has been undertaken in Mr Murphys area, so he has no basis to suggest that there has been no improvement. I welcome Mr Murphys comments encouraging local people to take part in consultation.

Anyone who hasnt already sent in their comments should send them as soon as possible to the Millennium controlled parking zone team. Peggy Middleton House, Woolwich New Road, SE18 6HQ

Cllr Peter Brooks

Greenwich Council executive member for planning.