The deadline for sending this letter (Monday 24 May 2010) has now passed.
Ref: Area J extension
Jenny Rowlands Director of Environment Hove Town Hall (Room 323) Norton Road, Hove BN3 3BQDear Madam,
Brighton & Hove Various Controlled Parking Zones Consolidation Order 2008 Amendment Order No. 20 (Area J extension)
I wish to register my objection to the above named Order. My reason for objecting is that the proposed Order is unreasonable and unjustified because of the adverse impact it is likely to have on adjacent residential areas, particularly Springfield Road, Florence Road and Southdown Avenue. This is contrary to the council’s own principles and Government advice. I have considerable sympathy for the residents of the area covered by the proposed Order, who have been campaigning for a residents parking scheme for some years. However, it may be that those residents who favour such a scheme are not aware that it could make matters worse for their neighbours.
I note that the council’s statement of reasons for proposing the Order is: “…to improve parking management in the London Road Station area of Brighton for the benefit of residents, visitors and local businesses …If introduced, the extension to the residents parking scheme “J” will improve the amenities in the area for both residents, visitors and businesses.”
The council’s Environment Committee on 9 November 2006 agreed general principles to inform the introduction of parking schemes across the city. These included the statement that “predominantly residential areas of the city that are less central require a more complex, joined-up approach to get the right scheme in place and to avoid displacement issues.” Paragraph 4.8 of the report (agenda item 62) to Environment Cabinet Member meeting on 5 November 2009 shows the council is aware that displacement parking may become an issue for areas surrounding any new parking scheme. This scheme will not improve amenities for residents in adjoining streets, rather the reverse; it will degrade the environment and residents’ quality of life. This is contrary to the principle set out in the council’s statement of reasons above.
I would be grateful to hear from the council what evidence it has that the introduction of the Area J extension Order will not adversely affect the streets that border it to the north. Unless the Council can demonstrate that it has fully considered and complied with its own principles and with Government advice – that authorities should design their parking policies with particular regard to improving the local environment – in deciding upon this proposed Order, I will not be prepared to withdraw my objection to it.
Please acknowledge receipt of this objection and advise me of the means by which it will be formally considered by your Members.
Yours faithfully
