The Council's perspective & guidelines, Ed Turner.

Ed Turner congratulated both Iain Simpson and Jane Scoon on their " impressively organised and presented petitions". He stressed that Residents' Parking is not a safety or traffic calming scheme and that the Council has neither the duty nor resources to enforce this unless the residents require it. Residents' Parking can increase the freedom of choice for residents whilst reducing unnecessary parking ( e.g. from commuters ) when good public transport already exists.

The enforcement policy adopted by Merton is designed to help residents by making it cheaper to obey them than violate the rules viz: a permit currently costs £25 and offences are £20 per fine, a "firm but fair, not over rigorous policy", that is largely self financing, keeping wardens to the minimum.

The Council, prior to introducing the scheme, surveys numbers of residents' cars before 6 a.m. ( the arrival of commuters ) to determine the maximum spaces needed for residents.

Ed then answered many questions, repeating his initial statement that Merton aims to assist residents while keeping costs to a minimum. A consultation process will shortly begin to consider all aspects of parking. Recommendations will then follow.

Comments for and against were then made. All felt that any scheme should ensure that local businesses, especially shops, would be kept alive. Whatever the causes, all agreed that the problem of parking is considerable and that it has intensified to an unacceptable level.

Summing up by Chairman

Paresh thanked Ed Turner for his helpful and well - informed contribution and expressed the thanks of the residents that a consultation exercise will shortly be taking place.