Bonnington is a thriving community with a unique character, but that character is under threat. We, the undersigned, are calling on the Edinburgh City Council to roll back the new parking restrictions and fees that have been imposed on our neighborhood.

We believe these measures are an unfair burden on residents and a threat to our local economy. Here is why we object:

• Democracy was ignored: The decision to extend the Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) was taken despite a consultation showing that the extreme majority of residents opposed it. The administration utilized a bylaw to bypass the consultation results and sideline local consent.
  
  
• Punishing Residents: Residents should not be forced to pay to park on the streets they live on. This feels like a revenue-raising exercise rather than a traffic management solution. Furthermore, these fees penalize friends, family, and essential tradespeople, making it more expensive and difficult for our support networks to visit us.
  
  
• A Necessity, Not a Luxury: For many, owning a vehicle is an essential part of daily life—not a luxury. Whether you are a parent juggling work, school runs, and chores, a commuter, or a tradesperson, a car is often indispensable. Adding costs that run into hundreds of pounds per year is a substantial financial blow to households during a cost-of-living crisis.
  
  
• Harming Local Businesses & Schools: The new fees will deter customers, reducing footfall for local pubs and shops. Furthermore, essential staff—including teachers and carers from the following schools will face a daily tax in order to provide their services. Additionally, all the parents that drop-off their kids to school via their car will have to pay for the parking cost or risk getting a fine.
  • Bun-sgoil Taobh na Pàirce
  • Broughton Primary school
  • Drummond Community High School

We urge the Council to respect the will of the residents. We ask for a supportive environment that fosters community, not one that penalizes us for living here.

Please sign this petition to tell the Council: Listen to Bonnington.