New controlled parking zone will prevent tube commuters using parking in some residential streets, reports Simon Allin, Local Democracy Reporter

The new CPZ is designed to prevent commuters using Burnt Oak Station from parking in residential streets

Plans to introduce parking controls in Burnt Oak have sparked a backlash amid fears they will have a “hugely negative impact” on local schools.

More than 300 people have signed an online petition against Barnet Council’s plans for a trial controlled parking zone (CPZ) covering dozens of roads in an area north of Burnt Oak Station.

The Burnt Oak North CPZ was announced by the council last month. Set to cover 52 roads, either in whole or in part, the scheme will mean only those with permits will be allowed to park in the designated bays between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Barnet Council says the CPZ comes in response to “commuter and school-related parking issues” raised by residents. The authority was previously accused of not moving fast enough to install a CPZ after residents complained they were struggling to park near their homes – but is now facing opposition to the plans.

Maddy Cordell, an employee of one of the schools that will be affected by the CPZ, said it would cause problems for staff as well as parents using their cars to drop off and collect their children.

She said: “I for one work very long hours, and much of the year I leave and arrive in darkness. I will be too scared to walk around the area in darkness.

“If a child has a problem, the parents have to come to the school – but they won’t be able to come […] it is honestly just not workable.

“What happens when the schools can’t function when they lose all their staff? It is not the safest of areas, and this expecting us to walk from Burnt Oak Station or whatever bus stop – it is not great.”

The council says schools will be given travel advice and parking permits for the CPZ will be available for some teachers. But Maddy said she did not think there would be enough permit spaces for teachers, many of whom work half days.

Branding the plans “utter nonsense” she said the CPZ could also lead to shops losing business and cause problems for people who drive to the area to visit Watling Park and tend local allotments.

The petition, which warns schools will suffer a “hugely negative impact”, claims only 14 people asked for a CPZ out of 71 responses to a survey. But a council spokesperson said the town hall received 224 responses to an informal engagement exercise carried out in 2021, with 71% saying they wanted parking controls implemented, 27% expressing opposition and 4% saying they were unsure.

The spokesperson added: “The Burnt Oak North area is well served by buses, has access to two tube stations and has parking provision available in Watling Avenue and Bunns Road car parks.

“CPZs allow parking in designated parking bays, and the remainder of the kerbside space is subject to yellow line restrictions, where motorists are able to drop off and pick up passengers if it is safe to do so. A school permit is also available which enables some teachers at qualifying schools, with the school’s permission, the right to buy permits to allow them to park in some residential permit holders’ bays within the CPZ.

“We have received lots of feedback from schools after confirmation that the trial scheme is being implemented. Council officers have organised meetings with the schools to discuss their concerns directly. School travel specialists will be there to advise the schools as to how they can adapt to the new parking arrangements with minimal disruption.”

According to the council, the CPZ trial will be launched on 3rd April and run for a period of 18 months. Comments received during the first six months will constitute the statutory consultation, and the experimental nature of the scheme means it can make changes if they are required.

More details on the scheme are available on the Barnet Council website:
Visit https://engage.barnet.gov.uk/burnt-oak-north-bon-experimental-cpz

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