Background

For years, North Harrow (Cambridge Road) car park has been free to use at the weekend, providing a real boost to our local community.

But now, Harrow Council is introducing Saturday parking charges, which will have a detrimental impact on North Harrow businesses and community organisations, and is at odds with the council's supposed support for local business, not to mention their promise to put residents first.

Impact

Too many local businesses have been forced to close already. Weekend parking charges would especially impact the many independent businesses, who rely on free weekend parking as an added incentive for people to visit North Harrow.

Furthermore, organisations such as North Harrow Community Library, Harrow Gateway and North Harrow Home Guard Club, hold regular events and activities that support our local community, including the elderly and those with learning disabilities. Such events and activities will be put at risk by these new charges.

Lack of consultation

This has come as a complete shock to the local organisations we've spoken to, who weren't even notified about these plans. It is also being implemented without proper consultation, as you won't find this on the council's consultation website. Thankfully it was spotted by an eagle-eyed resident.

Details of the plans, which also include changes to other car parks across Harrow, can be found here: Variation of Parking Charges and Fee Structure for Off-Street and On-Street Parking Places

Our petition

We, the undersigned, oppose these plans to introduce Saturday charges at Cambridge Road car park, and call upon Harrow Council's Conservative administration to halt this proposal and maintain free Saturday parking at Cambridge Road car park.

Petitioners

Hugh Brown, local resident and North Harrow community champion
Reena Chotai, local resident and former business owner, Red Cup Cafe
Sue Heels, Trustee, Harrow Gateway
Kamal Shah, Chair of Trustees, North Harrow Community Library
Ron Collins, Manager, St Luke's Hospice Shop, North Harrow
The Salaam Centre, North Harrow