Forum Topic

Friars Green CPZ

Just to confirm that the outer zone of the Friars Green CPZ ie roads to the west of Horn Lane ie Creswick,Julian,Shalimar,Hereford,Essex, Lynton and Pierrpoint are being omitted from the scheme. Horn Lane will be in the zone with controlled parking on both sides of the road from the railway to the Uxbridge Road. If you disagree with this please contact your ward councillors and MP without delay. The scheme being installed at the moment starts in August.

David Groves ● 5547d70 Comments

Just wait for the chaos to start on the 1/8/11.What's the point of contacting our councillors...thay are not listening. Lets wait for the next meeting on CPZ and then tear them apart.  BLOSSOM has promised a review in three months time after the inner core zone goes live. If our councillors do hold another meeting, will it be in the hoilday season?On page 8 of the Gazette 8/7/11 is a piece CHAOS FEAR OVER SMALLER PARKING ZONE showing one of my pictures of Creswick Rd.  Rest assured I will be taking further pictures.  The council do need to explain why the reduction occured and what is called ground work.  To me ground work means putting in lines etc.

Nicola Howard ● 5547d

This is a very strange story.  On 23rd February 2010 the cabinet, under the then Tory administration, agreed to do both parts of the zone.  It really was a bit of a no-brainer.  You either did both or none.  Whatever the merits or demerits of a CPZ in this area doing a bit of it is simply bad government.  The outer area will be in big trouble the day the core area becomes operational.  We know this from previous experience, eg the Ealing Dean scheme, JJ.  The original cabinet decision was made in public and the merits of the case were discussed in public.  The current Labour cabinet member, Bassam Mahfouz, seems to be ignoring this decision.  He is simply not entitled to.  If he wants to supersede a properly formed cabinet decision he needs to get another one through cabinet not simply ignore the previous one.  It is a scandal that it has taken the council 18 months since its decision to implement half the scheme.  You can see the original decision here:http://www2.ealing.gov.uk/ealing3/export/sites/ealingweb/services/council/committees/agendas_minutes_reports/cabinet/19may2009-24may2010/_23_february_2010/Item_19_-_Friars_Green_CPZ_Consultation.docIt came with a map which illustrates clearly why doing half the scheme is nonsense:http://www2.ealing.gov.uk/ealing3/export/sites/ealingweb/services/council/committees/agendas_minutes_reports/cabinet/19may2009-24may2010/_23_february_2010/Item_19_-_Appendix_1.pdfOne can only speculate as to what the administration is doing.  Mahfouz may just think he knows better than residents.  Of the three Acton Central councillors Patricia Walker lives in Elgar Avenue, Ealing so I don’t suppose she has much skin in the game.  Cllr Abdullah Gulaid lives on St Dunstan’s Avenue in the core area so it might be a case of I’m alright Jack for him.  Cllr Daniel Crawford lives with his mother, East Acton councillor Kathleen Crawford, at Lynton Road in the outer area.  Are the Crawford’s influencing this?  Who knows?  It is all murky, undemocratic and so typical of Ealing Labour.  I will raise this with the council’s, Director of Legal & Democratic Services, our chief legal officer, Helen Harris. 

Phil Taylor ● 5546d

I understand the Crawfords do not want CPZ on their side of the road

Nicola Howard ● 5546d

Must also remeber that back in 2010 when the residents were asked about a cpz no one knew about all the restrictions that are now being put along Horn Lane.A compalaint has been loged with the local goverment ombudsman.David

David Groves ● 5545d

DavidKeep stirrrrrrrr-ing

Nicola Howard ● 5545d

got my permit in the post today.

Nicola Howard ● 5543d

As Nicola said, wait for the chaos to start! When K1 zone first introduced, Acacia Rd not included. I was told because people voted against. Anyway, it wasn't long before some of those in Cumberland, Maldon etc realised that they could park on Acacia for free and stopped buying permits! This included local mechanic, who would park his 'work' on Acacia. People with two or more cars, people who would go on holiday and leave their car for up to two weeks (sometimes even longer). I complained but no-one listened. Even when people were parking so badly that they were making it difficult to enter the Tiltwood, nothing was done. So to you all on the north side of Horn Lane, prepare yourself. And if it's true  that decision was already made by Cons. is there no legal comeback re parking zone? It makes me so mad. I've put up with parking nightmares for years, and I feel so sorry for people who are going to be put through this parking nightmare.

Caroline Page ● 5543d

David,On Tuesday at council the portfolio holder was asked by the Conservative transport spokesman, Cllr Tony Young, to explain what is going on.  Labour's Cllr Mahfouz used the 15 responses to the statutory consultation as an argument to ignore the 452 responses from the main consultation carried out by the council.  Labour really are making it up as they go along.

Phil Taylor ● 5538d

It is for Councillors to ensure that they are briefed properly by Council Officers on all important issues. When new Councillors are elected they should be 'briefed' as soon after their election as possible.  One wonders whether this was done, or that the good Councillors is pleading 'ignorance'.

Dee Cook ● 5538d

PhilHave this Labour council committed any offences over the CPZ?

Nicola Howard ● 5538d

If only 15 objected to the implementation in the outer zone it would be reasonable to assume the other 67 (original objectors in the june 09 survey less the 15 objectors from the public notices) are either in favour, have moved or dont care.

David Groves ● 5537d

Yes, maybe they've seen sense!What on earth is going on?  I'm not taking this Labour Council seriously at all.

Angela White ● 5536d

Is anyone taking this council seriously?I am sure that we have the LOONEY LEFT in charge.  I am reminded of King Ethelred.....UNREADY!!!Is there any news yet on the next CPZ meeting?

Nicola Howard ● 5536d

I met Bassam Mahfouz this evening. He told me that council officers had warned the councilors that it was unsafe to proceed with the outer-zone with such a low response and some serious objections (I have put in a FOI request on these) Apparently there are also some serious issues within the core zone.  He said there would be another consultation in two to three months and if that was positive they would implement the CPZ very quickly as the traffic orders have already been issued.He also said it would give those of us in favour, time to make people aware and garner support.

Bob Crossley ● 5536d

BobBy the look of all the parking spaces on Grafton, I doubt if we will have the problems once we go live.  I think the problems you will encounter are those of STAND OFF'S, which we experienced on a regular basis, with horn tooting and road rage.  We were getting it late at night and even at 2 A.M.I would like to know what the serious issues are with the core zone as this is very vague.I do not understand that council officers had warned the councillors that it was unsafe to proceed with the outer zone.  From the feedback I got of the forum meeting, the councillors were all over the place, with their knickers in a right twist.How can Bassam say that there will be another consultation in two or three months, when it is another meeting we want!Once we go live on 1/8 I will E-mail the pics to put on the site (some of us old codgers are not into facebook/twitter etc.)I understand that there is an objection from a mini cab driver on Julian Ave, as he would have to pay business rates, but this equates to less than one cab fare a week.  This would apply to all mini cabs if they have to pay business rates.  Its a poor objection.  I think other objections are from transients and non car owners.Since the lines were put in on Grafton on 1/7 there has been plenty of parking spaces through-out the day, so this looks like the commuters are elsewhere.  There is one gripe however, and that is we would like restrictions up to 10 P.M. so as to stop night workers parking.

Nicola Howard ● 5536d

Somehow I don't think the present CPZ hours will do much to help car owners in the evenings! Surely this is the time they need to concentrate on?

Jean F Fernandez ● 5536d

You will talking £75+ for a 10pm finish

Bob Crossley ● 5536d

OMG what a difference BOB!I know the council wants money but this is ridiculous!!!

Jean F Fernandez ● 5536d

I seem to remember when civil enforcement officers were puttung tickets on legally parked BLUE BADGE cars in their own bays.  This was being done at 8 P.M. and into the early hours of the morning. (story made it to the Gazette.)  There was no extra charge for this dodgy service.  Suggest council trial it for twelve months at current rates.

Nicola Howard ● 5536d

Bob Crossley ● 5535d

Thanks Bob.I just hope the outer zone objectors are now getting the message.

Nicola Howard ● 5535d

Some don't want it because they don't have a car and don't want to have to buy visitors tickets. Some don't want it because they have there own off street parking and some don't want it because it looks messy. The only understandable reason for not wanting it is if they only use their car at weekends.

Bob Crossley ● 5535d

Since the markings have gone down in our road the amount of cars has decreased substantially and the litter along with it, even though the CPZ doesn't come into effect until the 1st August.We had loads of litter left besides cars who parked there all day and left to go home.  We also had tow tracks and loads of vans (we still have a fair few vans as they've been parked there longterm and I think they too will disappear over time.  We had garage(s) park customers cars here as well, which isn't happening now.  Also, really importantly, cars used to park bumper to bumper on street junctions making it impossible to see oncoming cars.  Those areas are now fully visible and it's so much safer to drive.  I used to have several near misses a month because of that.

Angela White ● 5535d

Must admit the streets are cleaner and, no more holiday parking.

Nicola Howard ● 5535d

Oh go on, rub it in to us who are on the wrong side of the tracks !!!!

Bob Crossley ● 5534d

Sorry Bob!  Just trying to highlight what a huge difference a CPZ around here can make.  Where have all those cars gone?  Your side, I'm sure.  Heartfelt sympathy.

Angela White ● 5534d

Sorry Bob.  It's not our fault that the sanitary engineers have clear roads to sweep.Your side of the tracks should have cpz and, then we may have a cleaner Friars Green.Once again SORRY.

Nicola Howard ● 5534d

For clarity it would help if all the parking zones in Acton had the same operating hours, ideally all day. 8am - 9pm (or 10.00pm)or whatever.As I have mentioned before, if you have tradespeople working on your property, they factor into their invoice an amount for parking charges, so if you supply them with a temporary permit, then they should reduce the amount of their invoice.  Particularly relevant if they are working for over a week.I understand BT just pay parking tickets, so they must do the same.

Dee Cook ● 5534d

DeeI agree with the times.  I think Summerlands Ave have extended times.We have builders working on Grafton that will be here for a least a month when we go live.  People have applied for temporary permits but, as yet, have not received them.

Nicola Howard ● 5534d

Just applied for permit online and you get a PDF to print out as a one month temp permit - so you effectively get a month free!The documents that the council sent to us all don't mention that at all!

Eddy Leviten ● 5534d

Checked the times for Summerlands Ave, 8.30AM to 5.30PM

Nicola Howard ● 5533d

The reason that the roads to the east of Horn lane are becomming clearer is that many are now parking or parked in the roads to the west. May of the signs have been uncovered prematurly and motorists are not sure if its safe to park or not so they go elsewhere. The council said this would not happen. Things are getting worse to the west and this is when traditionaly its easier to park due to residents and commuters being on holiday. If the council wait three months before makeing a decision by the time the outer zone is included it will be next year. Be warned.

David Groves ● 5533d

DavidHistory tells us not to believe anything Labour say.  Bring back the Tory's, at least they gave us a £50 rebate on council tax.Maybe next week we should get out the violins and, play the funeral march, for those in peril on the west side of Horn Ln who are misguided.

Nicola Howard ● 5533d

I would say this is true around the little triangle green in Frairy Way (is that THE Friars Green?!).  Lot fewer commuters already.

Sarah Harris ● 5533d

David, are you getting the big 'white vans' parking in the western roads as well as cars?

Dee Cook ● 5533d

Not just white ones have some pretty yellow ones as well.

David Groves ● 5533d

........plus some converted ambulances, fire engines, etc. etc. all kitted out like camping vans perhaps?

Dee Cook ● 5533d

DeeAre you referring to Goldsmith Ave?

Nicola Howard ● 5533d

Sorry David, we can out-do you.  There is a pretty grey transit van with blue go faster stripes on Grafton.There is of course the advantage that the council will remove dumped cars from the inner zone cpz, soon rather than later and, with luck, leave the perpetrator with a massive bill for parking fines.  Are there still dumped cars and vans on your side?

Nicola Howard ● 5532d

None in any of the roads around the Goldsmith Avenue area at present, except for a converted ambulance parked on a frontage which is at present on 'drive around Europe' I suspect.  In the not too distant past, we were plagued by such vehicles parked in our roadways - often being lived in.  I suspect that our Aussie/NZ visitors have been driven out of the area (and towards Hanwell I believe) because of all the complaints which local residents plagued the Council with.  And the vigilence of the Parking Wardens.

Dee Cook ● 5532d

Sorry to correct you Nicola, but the times for Summerlands Avenue are 9.30 am to 5.30pm - same as they have been since the CPZ started, and for the rest of K zone.

Amanda Knights ● 5532d

Thanks for the correction

Nicola Howard ● 5532d

Just a quick post to let you know that two council types were around yesterday (Wed) checking the bin liners on the signs.  I asked why the west side were not going CPZ to which the reply was: nothing to do with us!I was told that the peril will not issue tickets for two weeks, but will issue warning notices as from 1/8/11.Anyone willing to believe it?

Nicola Howard ● 5531d

Usual practice isnt it not to do tickets for the first two weeks?I think that happened when K1 started.

Sara Nathan ● 5531d

Now why would a traffic warden be patrolling the streets in the non CPZ area?

Bob Crossley ● 5531d

Sorry Bob, got my sides mixed up

Nicola Howard ● 5531d

No not you.There really was a traffic warden over here.

Bob Crossley ● 5531d

There's hope yet!You never know.

Nicola Howard ● 5531d

Anymore traffic wardens today.See the white van is still parked on the corner of Hereford/Horn...not moved for at least a week++

Nicola Howard ● 5530d

Nicola Howard ● 5530d

Are you non CPZers ready for Monday.Good Luck.

Nicola Howard ● 5529d

The covers have been removed from the CPZ signs in Broughan Road, Allison Road, Faraday Road and Birkbeck Avenue today!Hope you are all ready for the new CPZ zone which starts tomorrow morning!

Jean F Fernandez ● 5528d

Also removed from Grafton.I was going to wait for the witching hour before doing this post.Veriations:Don Lang and the Frantic Five: "The Six-Five Special is coming in on time, over the tracks over the tracks" ( to the west side)Frank Sinatra: "I did it my way" (the council did it their way)Suggestion please.Remember all you commuters there is parking outside Lynton Terrace, (beware of marker pen on the windsereen.)

Nicola Howard ● 5528d

SUMMERTIME (apologies to Sam Cooke)its summertime and the parkings not easyThe wardens are jumping and the fines are sky highGo west where and the livings is easy.So hush little baby don't you cry."Go west where the parkings still free.

Bob Crossley ● 5528d

BobNice oneWas not Summertime from "Porgy and Bess" by Gershwin?One thing's for sure, living not going to be easy, over your side!

Nicola Howard ● 5528d

It was...who is Sam Cooke?

Sara Nathan ● 5528d

Sam Cooke is a Soul and R&B singer. (influenced by Bob Dylan.)Album: A change is gonna come! I think on the RCA label.A change is gonna come....would that be CPZ????

Nicola Howard ● 5527d

Plenty of parking tickets issued on Grafton Rd.

Nicola Howard ● 5527d

So from tomorrow we can expect those cars over here.Noticed an increase of vehicles on the west side today.

Bob Crossley ● 5527d

How's is going today Bob?

Dee Cook ● 5526d

Walked around roads here west of Horn Lane at 9am there were hardly any parking spaces. None, for the first time in my road.

Bob Crossley ● 5526d

Bob It it time for the photo's.

Nicola Howard ● 5526d

Now the witching hour has arrived ln day three and, those of us who know what we are, arise.Any new update on the West Side Story?  Instead of being east and west, should we become the Sharks and Jets.

Nicola Howard ● 5525d

Friary Road is really empty - it's wonderful.  We have obviously lost all the Carphone Warehouse lot and I think people who live on the estate now park in their alloted spaces rather than out on the road.

Maria Pettit ● 5525d

I would have posted here earlier, were it not for the painfully slow wait to reload the page.Here on Julian avenue the situation is intolerable.I emailed all the councillors on 31st July, and having heard nothing, emailed them all again last night.Today I recieved sympathetic responses from Patricia Walker and Daniel Crawford, but still nothing from the others.Could someone please clarify who is the councillor principally responsible for this cock up?I have been under the impression that it is Bassam Mahfouz, is that correct?At the moment I am going to the supermarket at night ( because with six children, during the school holiday period supermarket shopping during the day is not very practical)Last night I came home and had to park two streets away.I phoned my husband who had to leave the sleeping children and come out and meet me, we carried the shopping back. He went back for more bags and left the non food items in the boot for me to collect in the morning.They are still there.And by the way, it's no fun at all to have to get a baby and a toddler along with sundry other children, to a car that is two streets away. Especially when the buggy is IN THE BOOT OF THE CAR!

Clare Mulvany ● 5523d

This site is just so slow what's wrongClare The people to complain to are the councillors and Bassam.There is a meeting today. Will let you know if I hear anythingFirst time in five years not able to park in my road today.Just wait till the holiday season is over

Bob Crossley ● 5523d

Clare Julian Avenue is on the west side and not included in the CPZ.Did you vote for a CPZ in Julian Avenue?

Dee Cook ● 5523d

Clare Julian Avenue is on the west side of Horn Lane and not presently included in a CPZ.Did you vote for a CPZ in Julian Avenue?

Dee Cook ● 5523d

"Clare Julian Avenue is on the west side of Horn Lane and not presently included in a CPZ.Did you vote for a CPZ in Julian Avenue?"I realise that Dee, that's why I'm finding it so hard to park. I imagine that those roads included in the CPz are enjoying a blessed respite.And yes, I did vote for CPZ. Not sure that makes a difference now though.

Clare Mulvany ● 5523d

Bob Crossley ● 5522d