Public consultation on plan for Blundell Road launched in response to local concerns over “high levels of non-resident parking”, reports Simon Allin, Local Democracy Reporter

Barnet Council could introduce another set of parking restrictions in Burnt Oak in a bid to tackle parking “displacement”.

The town hall has launched an informal consultation on a proposed controlled parking zone (CPZ) in Blundell Road and surrounding streets.

It comes in response to local concerns over “high levels of non-resident parking” caused by “displacement from the neighbouring roads with existing parking controls”.

There are fears that parking problems could worsen with the introduction of Burnt Oak North CPZ to the north-west of Blundell Road, which was launched on a trial basis last month.

CPZs work by only allowing permit holders to park their cars in designated streets during set times. Most use clearly marked-out bays to show where restrictions apply, but the council has indicated it could use another method called ‘permit parking areas’ (PPAs).

PPAs involve putting up ‘permit holders only past this point’ signs, which the council says would “remove the need for marked parking bays and posts and signs, whilst maximising kerb space and reducing the environmental impact of the street scene”.

In Barnet, an initial residents’ CPZ permit for an average-emission vehicle costs £78.60 per year. Blue Badge holders can park for free, while the annual cost for those with fully electric vehicles is £16.50.

The council says the consultation, which covers 17 roads, is designed to give it “a clearer understanding of the parking issues in Blundell Road and the surrounding streets”. Parking stress surveys will also be carried out to gauge whether any changes are needed to increase parking opportunities, improve accessibility and enhance road safety.

According to the council, the changes could also “help to promote use of sustainable travel modes by reducing the need to use a car when making journeys such as to the shops, school or to work”.

The informal consultation is due to close on 26th June. More details are available here: https://engage.barnet.gov.uk/blundell-road-cpz

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