Red Post Hill Resident's Committee...strongly object to CPZ

Further to our previous representation we are writing in response to the recent council consultation proposing CPZ in the ‘North Dulwich Triangle’.

We strongly object to the introduction of a CPZ zone on two major grounds as detailed below. The first is in terms of the detriment to both the nature and quality of life for residents and amenity users of our unique greener safer environment, and the second is on procedural grounds to request adequate consultation as once again, the council is in contravention of its own recommended practise and guidelines for consultation.

Ground 1

The proposed CPZ goes against both the wishes of local residents and amenity users of the area and is inconsistent with the current development s plans of the local authority (Green Safer Environments).

Previous representation and petitions have been made to the Council via committees, local councillor surgeries, scrutiny committee, public meetings, community council meetings, in writing, in response to written consultations and meetings demand by local residents and amenity users.

The council records and petitions show how over 90% of local residents and amenity users object to measures that increases traffic volume, speed and reduce safety (2007 - to date). These objections have included inappropriate and unnecessary proposals for yellow lines and CPZ zones.

Residents have previously justified and documented their objection and have been successful in convincing the council to halt their programme implementing measures that are significantly contrary to local needs. In addition, residents have campaigned and secured area improvements such as: safer crossings, traffic calming measures, 20 mph signage and funding from the councils own schemes to improve the local area and amenities.

These current proposals for the CPZ in the ‘North Dulwich Triangle’ are in total contradiction to what is already on the public record and has previously been agreed by both Council Committees and council officers.

The introduction of CPZ would cause:

• Significant reduction in the levels of safety to the large number of school children in the area both local primary (6) and secondary (4), the elderly  and those using the pavement with prams and mobility aids due to the increase of traffic, parking occlusions and traffic speed in the area
• Unnecessary increase cost and inconvenience to local residence and amenity users

Ground 2

Once again the following procedures have not been followed

i)                    Lack of detail in the consultation documentation

ii)                   No opportunity for open public  meeting consultation

iii)                 Inadequate time allowed for consultation

iv)                 Deliberately timed to reduce the response rate

v)                  Local groups have been inadequately consulted

vi)                 Previous strong objections to parking measures have not been presented as part of the consultation

vii)              The proposals are presented in isolation to other community development issues and concerns

Based on the information and grounds above we demand that the council hold a public meeting and allow adequate time for consultation and that the proposal together with the consultation process be referred to the scrutiny committee.

Yours Faithfully,

Marilyn Panayi

Vice Chair

Red Post Hill Resident's Committee