RESIDENTS' views are being sought on proposals for a new controlled parking zone (CPZ) in Crouch End

Charlotte Newton

RESIDENTS' views are being sought on proposals for a new controlled parking zone (CPZ) in Crouch End.

The proposed parking restrictions have been drawn up by Haringey Council in collaboration with a focus group of residents and ward councillors.

The proposals were devised in response to growing concerns about parking pressures in the area, particularly following the introduction of two new CPZs in surrounding roads, administered by Islington Council.

The aim of the proposals is to make it easier for residents to park in their own roads, by stopping commuters from parking there.

Environment and conservation spokesman Cllr Brian Haley said: "We're consulting a large area on these proposals, and it's crucial that residents give us a clear indication of their views over the next few weeks.

"This is all about giving residents what they want. If it's obvious that most people don't want a CPZ, we won't introduce a CPZ.

"If some roads are clearly in favour but others aren't, we may draw up plans for a smaller scheme.

"We believe it's right that we should look to address people's concerns about finding a parking space.

"But we're being very clear that controlled parking zones can lead to displacement parking, and people do need to be mindful of this when responding to the consultation.

"I'm also conscious that some residents want us to introduce new parking measures as a matter of urgency. We've tried to balance these anxieties with other people's concerns that the consultation should be thorough and comprehensive, and hopefully people will feel that we've struck the right balance."

Residents and traders in the area will be sent leaflets setting out the proposals and will be invited to give their views in a public consultation, which runs from Monday until June 16.

The council will also be holding two drop-in sessions to give residents the opportunity to ask council officers detailed questions about the proposals.

These will take place on Saturday May 31, 10am to 1pm, at Hornsey Library in Haringey Park, and on Wednesday June 4, 3.30pm to 7.30pm, at Coolhurst Tennis Club, Coolhurst Road.

Feedback from the consultation will be presented in a report to the council's Cabinet in September, which will make a decision on whether to proceed with the proposed scheme.

If so, residents will then be notified of more detailed plans.

How to have your say

Residents will be asked whether they want a CPZ introduced in their road and, if not, whether they would possibly reconsider if neighbouring roads were included in a zone.

They will also be asked their preferences for the operating hours for any zone and which days of week they think it should be in effect. They will finally be invited to make any further comments.

Anyone with questions about the questionnaire or consultation can call consultation officers Charlene Santos or Francis Amo on 020-8489 1326 or the project engineer Vincent Valerio on 020-8489 1325.

Alternatively, write to Haringey Council,Transport Policy and Projects, River Park House, 1st Floor South, 225 High Road, Wood Green N22 8HQ.