Purpose

We, the undersigned, call on the London Borough of Newham to review its resident parking permit charges and consider fairer arrangements for households that depend on a vehicle for work, caring responsibilities and essential travel. We support cleaner air and responsible transport policy, while requesting transparent evidence, affordability and appropriate safety assessments.

 

1. Restore the first free resident permit

We ask the Council to consider reinstating one free standard resident parking permit per eligible household, subject to clear and publicly consulted eligibility rules. Residents collecting signatures in E16 specifically raised the previous first-free-permit arrangement and asked for its return.

 

2. Review charges and the diesel surcharge

Freeze further increases while carrying out and publishing an affordability and equality impact review of the emissions-based charging structure, including the diesel surcharge and the treatment of different vehicle types. Publish the evidence supporting the charges and consider proportionate alternatives.

 

3. Fair instalments

Allow residents to pay the annual permit price in 12 equal monthly instalments without interest, administrative premiums or a higher overall price than paying annually.

 

4. Independent parking and EV fire-safety assessment

Residents collecting signatures in E16 also raised concerns about electric vehicles parked alongside petrol and diesel vehicles in closely spaced residential streets, including North Woolwich. We ask the Council to consult London Fire Brigade and suitably qualified independent specialists and publish a location-appropriate assessment of battery thermal runaway, possible fire spread between parked vehicles and nearby homes, charging equipment, emergency access, mitigation measures and the limits of long-term evidence on ageing batteries. This request does not assert that mixed parking is inherently unsafe or that electric vehicles are more likely to catch fire.

 

5. Consultation and response

Publish the evidence, findings and proposed actions, and consult affected residents before significant changes to parking and charging arrangements. Provide a written response to each request.