In a major U-turn, Greenwich Council has decided to scrap the majority of its proposed Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) across the borough after facing intense criticism from residents.
A Widespread Retreat on Parking Plans
The local authority announced on December 18 that it would proceed with its contentious Sustainable Streets programme only in Woolwich. The scheme has now been completely ditched for Charlton, West Thamesmead, Kidbrooke, and Blackheath. This follows the earlier abandonment of plans for Shooters Hill and Plumstead in August.
The council first unveiled the Sustainable Streets initiative at the end of last year, stating its goal was to cut down on non-essential car trips and promote walking, cycling, and public transport to tackle air pollution and improve road safety. Key measures included introducing permit zones, paid parking areas, more car club bays, EV charging points, and secure cycle parking.
However, the comprehensive transport strategy was met with widespread opposition. While some supported the sustainability aims, many residents viewed the removal of free parking and the new permit system as a financially-driven "cash grab". The council has consistently argued that any revenue from parking permits is legally restricted for use on local transport and highways projects.
Public Pressure Forces Council to Listen
The strength of local feeling was made clear through multiple public petitions and protests, including one outside Woolwich Town Hall in September. Council analysis of the public consultation ultimately concluded that most respondents objected to the core CPZ proposals.
Official documents state: "The analysis has found that the majority of respondents feel that the proposed changes either do not reflect what is required on the street or that they object to most elements proposed around controlled parking." The report noted that many felt the plans were unnecessary given current parking pressure and that there was limited support for the programme to progress in their neighbourhoods.
Despite the broad withdrawal, the council has identified specific streets with parking issues, such as Canberra Road in Charlton and Broad Walk in Kidbrooke. Any future measures there would be considered individually, separate from the Sustainable Streets scheme.
Residents and Politicians React
Campaigners celebrated the council's climbdown. Joel Soo, a West Thamesmead resident, said: "West Thamesmead residents are relieved and delighted that the council has withdrawn the Sustainable Streets CPZ proposals for our area. More than 1,400 people signed our petition, and this is a real victory for local democracy."
Eleanor Restall, Chair of the West Charlton Residents Association, welcomed the move but urged the council to also remove recently implemented Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs), which she claims have displaced traffic into Charlton.
Conservative opposition leader Cllr Matt Hartley called the policy "seriously flawed from the start" and warned that a re-elected Labour administration might try to revive the plans.
Woolwich Pushes Ahead Amidst Scrutiny
Greenwich Council remains committed to implementing Sustainable Streets in Woolwich, despite consultation feedback revealing only 38 out of 649 online consultees agreed the proposals would help with emissions, safety, and air quality.
Council Leader Anthony Okereke defended the decision, citing Woolwich's high parking stress from commuters and visitors, excellent public transport links, and upcoming developments like a new leisure centre. He stated the scheme would balance resident needs with the demands of a modern town centre.
Cllr Okereke also acknowledged the public's role in halting the scheme elsewhere: "We recognise through our extensive consultation with residents that in other areas support was limited with some concerns raised and so we have listened and will not be progressing with proposals in those areas."
