Locals get parking priority

Local residents and businesses are set to benefit from new parking regulations in Shepherds Bush.

When Westfield shopping centre opened last year, Hammersmith & Fulham Council brought in temporary measures to ease parking problems residents were experiencing in their streets.

Since then, the council has been discussing various options and, following detailed consultations in zones G, CC and J, more resident and business friendly parking controls will be introduced.

Cabinet member for environment and deputy leader, Councillor Nicholas Botterill, said: “The new parking measures prove that not only do we listen to local people and take their views on board, but we act on them too. The parking changes will make it easier for residents, and their visitors, who in the past have found it difficult to park near their houses.

“We think that these new regulations are fair and that local people and businesses will benefit from the changes. We believe that the new system will bring a lasting solution to previous parking problems in the area.”

The restrictions for zone J remain unchanged but residents will be able to apply for a smart visitor permit (SVP) - an electronic permit that provides a cashless alternative to buying pay and display tickets.

The current controls in zone CC will be made permanent and visitors using a SVP will soon be able to park for free on Sundays. These allow residents’ visitors more flexibility and using a smart visitor permit costs less than pay and display.

In zone G the controls have changed to make pay and display parking available for a maximum of one hour from 9am to 10pm, with parking reserved for permit holders only between 6.30pm and 8pm. Motorists using a SVP will be able to park for longer than the maximum stay and for free after 8pm on Monday to Saturday, and all day on a Sunday.

Residents in zone G should have already received application forms for a SVP, while those in zone J will be sent forms in November.  The changes come into effect in zone G from December 14 and the new system is due to begin in zone J in January. People in zone CC will be told before the year is out when Sunday charges are set to be removed for SVP users.

Parking signs in Zones G and J are going to be replaced with new ones that will be easier to read, and any unnecessary signs will be removed.

Residents living in zones I, L and M can expect to be asked for their views in other parking consultations in the coming months. The consultation in zone I is expected before Christmas, while questionnaires on parking in zones L and M are planned for early next year.

For more information on the new parking restrictions, visit www.lbhf.gov.uk/CPZreviews or email parkingpolicies@lbhf.gov.uk .