Local Councillors Slam CPZ Proposal For Grove Park

They say Cllr Ed Mayne has missed chances to explain his actions

Local Conservative councillors have criticised Councillor Ed Mayne for agreeing to a CPZ for an area of Grove Park.

They claim that Cllr Mayne (Lab), who is lead member with responsibility for parking on Hounslow Council, had missed four opportunities to explain to the people of Chiswick why he considered a consultation and a CPZ were necessary.

Furthermore he was a resident of Isleworth, not Chiswick, they said.

The Conservative Group on the council has now written a letter outlining the party's concerns on the proposed Grove Park CPZ.

The letter says; "At the regular meeting of the forum held at Chiswick Town Hall on 20th November, residents of Park Road and the area around it were able to voice their concerns about the traffic and parking problems associated with the lack of a Controlled Parking Zone.

"A Council Officer summarised the results of the very limited CPZ consultation carried out in only one and a half streets. The consultation results differed little from the results of the previous two consultations.

"The officer also explained the results of research conducted, at the request of local councillors, into traffic speeds and road safety in Park Road. There was no explanation as to why this important work had not been completed and the results published before the consultation was launched.

"Residents of the wider community, represented by the Grove Park Association, also made representations to the councillors. Relevant detailed survey evidence was offered by them on the current usage of the Chiswick House Car Park and the parking spaces available in Park Road. This data was queried by some residents of Park Road but no contrary evidence was offered.

"The debate was heated, with views about facts and opinions and many interjections from the audience.

"Senior officers agreed with Councillors that there was no precedent in Hounslow for the actions of the Cabinet Member, Cllr Ed Mayne (for his unilateral decision to impose a parking scheme on the residents irrespective of the views of the Area Councillors and those representing the wider community south of the A4.

"Councillor Mayne, a Labour Councillor representing Isleworth and is not a resident of Chiswick. He has missed four opportunities to explain in public to local residents why he believes yet another CPZ consultation was necessary and how the proposed CPZ would benefit residents.

"After a debate and question and answer session with officers and residents, Chiswick Councillors were asked merely to note the report before it heads off to Lampton Road and a presentation to the Council Cabinet. A default decision will be made at that point by Councillors who have little or no knowledge of Chiswick and the concerns of its residents."

December 11, 2012