Underlying lack of a case for a CPZ

I'm inclined to agree with much of what is said about the underlying lack of  a case for a CPZ.  We're about to submit a response pointing out that in Frankfurt Road at least, there is no discernible commuter parking problem: congestion is at its greatest in evenings and at weekends when everyone's home, and laying out a CPZ would just exacerbate rather than relieve the problem.  Equally, designating a CPZ in immediately neighbouring streets -- if there really is a commuter parking problem there -- would just create a new problem in this street where there is none at present.

If pressure on parking in other streets has been created by designation of a CPZ in streets neighbouring those, then the answer is to remove that designation, not to create a new problem in the currently uncontrolled streets.  And the way to relieve the overall pressure on parking is to get serious about measures to reduce car dependency.

Turning to the process points, and wearing for a moment my other hat as a councillor for The Lane ward, my colleagues and I have actually had some success in ensuring that officers examine the objective case for and against parking restrictions rather than simply listening to those who shout loudest.  Where opinion has been against designating particular streets as CPZs we have ensured officers have followed that and not simply substituted their own opinion.  I am sure the Village councillor team will want to lend the same sort of support to residents here.  One step that might be helpful is to bring the issue to a forthcoming Dulwich Community Council meeting either as a discrete agenda item or a deputation.

There are some very interesting statistics about the way judicious use of car club spaces can reduce the need for car ownership and thus reduce parking demand.  Toby will probably remember dealing with a particular planning application (not in Dulwich) where parking was an issue, when we were told by the applicant's traffic consultant that one car club space typically removes demand for 15-20 private car parking spaces.  Officers seemed to think this was about right.  My own view -- and I suspect Toby's as well -- is that this figure is rather optimistic, not least because it fails to distinguish between sole and second cars.  But there is no doubt that each car club space removes demand for well over one private car parking space, even if there is room for argument about the exact multiple.

It so happens we don't own a car (as Robin knows) but belong to Streetcar.  The nearest cars are a short walk away but are popular and often booked out, so you often have to go further afield or go without.  I am sure many other residents would find a car unnecessary if we had two or three additional and carefully strategically located car club bays in and around these streets.  A car club bay can be designated even if there are no other parking restrictions on a street -- rather like a disabled or short stay bay.  I think that's the sort of approach we should be taking.  In my experience if you're against something (CPZ) your case is made much more attractive if at the same time arguing in favour of something else (car club bays).  


Gordon Nardell

Southwark Councillor (The Lane ward)