Harrow Council defends Wealdstone CPZ scheme

The new zone J, which means parking permits will be required from 7am until midnight from Monday to Sunday, affects the roads close to Harrow Leisure Centre.

According to the council, the decision follows a clear demand from those living there and will help protect them from any increase to the number of cars and people in the area.

But Hitesh Pabari, who lives in Lorne Road, which is affected by the changes, said the extension has not gone down well with everyone.

He said: “The changes are ridiculous and lots of people have been complaining about them.

“Do they think we are living by Wembley Stadium, Buckingham Palace or down Oxford Street? Why do we need permits all day, every day?

“It looks like it is a way to get people to pay for permits and charge visitors when they want to use them.”

Residents will contribute to the CPZ scheme if they need a permit, but they will be able to make use of parking spaces during the hours of operation.

Visitor permits cost £18.50 per ten and there is a 50 per cent discount for OAPs.

And the council explained that it has carried out two consultations and said there was an “overwhelmingly” positive response to the proposal on both occasions.

Cllr Keith Ferry, responsible for regeneration at Harrow Council, said it would act as a safety net for those who live on the affected roads.

He said: “It’s no secret that Wealdstone is changing, with thousands of new flats going into the area in the coming years.

“That will give the area a huge boost and bring a huge number of positives. At the same time, local people want to be protected from some of the potential negatives, before they come to fruition.

“Residents have told us they’re already starting to feel extra demand for car parking spilling out into roads far beyond Wealdstone.

“Our comprehensive parking review of the area – ongoing now for several years – will protect residents’ rights to park outside their own house.”