Confusion after claims that free stop and shop bays were being removed
Ealing Council has sought to clarify proposals to charge for stop and shop parking bays after concerns from shopkeepers that it could ruin trade.
The scheme currently offers free parking varying from five minutes to two hours.
There had been suggestions that the bays were to be abolished and replaced with pay and display.
However, under the new plans, motorists will still be able to continue using the stop and shop bays as they do now but will have to register if they want to extend their parking times and will have to pay an additional charge.
The Council say:
People just staying for the free period will not have to register or telephone the service.
People wishing to use the service will be able to stay for an additional two hours in selected stop and shop bays for a flat fee of £1.80 plus a service charge of 20p.
This means that in locations where there is currently a free period of 30 minutes the maximum stay will be two hours and 30 minutes, in cases where there is a free period of 60 minutes the maximum stay will be three hours and in cases where there is a free period is two hours, the maximum stay will be four hours.
Councillor Bassam Mahfouz, cabinet member for transport and the environment, said: “Businesses have told us that the limits mean that customers sometimes cut their shopping time short to move their car. By giving motorists the option to park for longer it means that they can use their phone in the restaurant, pharmacy or hairdressers or wherever they are without having to run back to the car.
“On the other hand we want businesses to have a high-turnover of customers coming and going in these bays and not have them being used all day by commuters. The additional two-hour limit prevents this.”
A formal consultation on the proposal with residents and businesses will take place shortly.
The locations identified for initial consultation are:
* Lady Margaret Road, Greenford (O/S No. 462), on slip road
* The Uxbridge Road (Nr Ealing Common Station)
* Pitshanger Lane, W5
* Lady Margaret Road, Greenford (O/S No. 462), on highway
* Singapore Road
* The Broadway, Southall (O/S Lidl)
* The Broadway, Southall (O/S Lidl)
* Crown Street, Acton
* Horn Lane, Acton (Opposite Stuart Road)
* Leeland Terrace
* Alfred Road, Acton
* Ruislip Road, Greenford (O/S No.3)
More information on the stop and shop proposals is available on the council's website at: http://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/200332/parking/1166/new_stop_and_shop_proposals
11th February 2012