Less talk & more action in Stanmore!

Less talk & more action is sometimes a criticism aimed at local authorities or other agencies working to support communities. However, in Stanmore, actions are starting to arise as a result of Stanmore Combined’s Community Plan Steering Group, who are developing a Community Plan for the area.

Parking has always been a regular issue for discussion at Stanmore Combined meetings and this was backed up by work the Community Planning Group did in a snapshot survey in the early part of last year, which identified parking as the No1 issue for local people. Following discussions with Neville Crisp the City Council’s Assistant Engineer a number of consultation events were held in June last year at various venues across Stanmore and residents had the opportunity to identify specific areas where parking problems existed. A final meeting was held on the 22nd July 2008 to ensure all the views had been captured.

Through this process a preferred scheme was identified which involved the introduction of a Traffic Regulation Order. Some objections were received, which resulted in some minor amendments to the scheme before a final consultation period of six weeks.

The scheme finally came into force on 9th March 2009. It is early days in its introduction to determine the impact it will have on the parking issue in Stanmore. However, it is a start and the initial reaction of residents and businesses is positive. The introduction of the scheme is of course one part of the solution; the other is to ensure that the new restrictions are enforced. Regular patrols will be made by Civil Enforcement Officers as part of area beats. Patrols may also be made by motorcycle whereby a wide area of restrictions can be covered quickly and efficiently and which will enable rapid response to reported parking contraventions.

The Community Planning Group will continue to monitor the situation and it is likely that Stanmore Combined in partnership with the local Resident Associations will undertake a review of the situation next year.

Published: 23 April 2009