Having lived  here for 15 years, I’ve seen firsthand how vibrant and essential our local shops around Enfield Wash are to our community. However, the decision for Enfield Council to introduce a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) from Elmhurst Road to Connop Road threatens the livelihood of these beloved businesses. 

Parking can undoubtedly be challenbging at times, but imposing parking permit zones will deter customers, leading to an inevitable decline in foot traffic. Our local shops are the heartbeat of the area, offering not just goods and services but also fostering a sense of community and belonging. With this change, we risk losing a substantial part of our neighborhood’s charm and economy. 

Aside from the impact on businesses, there’s a personal cost to the residents. With rising living costs and stagnant wages, it becomes unfair to demand that residents pay for a permit to park on their own streets. For our elderly neighbors, this burden is even more significant. Many of them rely on visits from family and friends who would need to navigate the added stress and cost of parking permits, potentially leaving them isolated.

The proposed parking zone (Monday to Sunday 9am till 6:30pm) may seem like a solution to ease parking congestion, but it could do more harm than good to our community, economically and socially. Alternative solutions should be pursued, such as enforcing the rules on Hertford road that already exists, endless drivers parking at the end of road on double yellows and that is the cause of most parking issues down theses roads or improving public transport links or arranging  designated business parking areas without penalizing residents.

The traffic restrictions need to be enforced on Hertford road not force residents to pay to park on their own roads.

Join me in opposing this proposal by signing this petition. Let’s urge Enfield Council to reconsider and prioritize the heart of our community over inconvenient and costly policies.

Please email the council and give your thoughts it will hopefully help this petition - journeysandplaces@enfield.gov.uk