Tooting: MP calls Plough Lane parking changes a 'cash-grab opportunity'

Tooting's MP has said that she is fighting the corner of those who will be affected by the new parking changes near Plough Lane.

Dr Rosena Allin-Khan has encouraged those who will be impacted by the plans to have their say via her online survey about the situation.

The A&E doctor has called for the changes to be suspended until a more engaging consultation process has taken place.

Wandsworth Council recently announced that they will be making changes to controlled parking zones in Earlsfield (L2), Garratt Green (G1) and Tooting Broadway (E1).

The council claims that the move is to protect the residents' parking spaces from an influx of football fans attending matches at AFC Wimbledon's new stadium, which lies on the Merton side of the borough boundary.

Within its announcement, the council say the changes are being made following a public consultation in how to best safeguard the parking and traffic levels generated by the newly built stadium that holds 9,300 people.

It's said that over 5,500 residents were invited to take part in the consultation, which will result in these changes being trialled for a six month period.

The changes will see parking controls in all three zones operate seven days a week from 9.30am until 9.30pm, excluding bank holidays. The changes will begin on September 1.

What Dr Rosena has said

Dr Rosena has published a public survey on her personal website. Here the MP raises a number of issues, mainly over the impact this will have on businesses and families and also on the way in which this change was communicated.

She said: "Wandsworth Council are rushing through parking changes on your street. I wanted you to be aware that I am fighting your corner.

"They will impact local businesses, friends and family when they visit, as well as people who rely on their car for caring needs.

"I have several concerns. Firstly, these changes have been poorly communicated, rushed, and residents have not been properly consulted. Indeed, Wandsworth Council is choosing to surge ahead despite just 1-in-8 residents taking part in the original consultation.

"The council should not be making decisions like this without properly engaging with residents.

"These changes are heavy-handed. As you may know, Wandsworth has some of the highest parking fees in the country - the council are using the AFC Wimbledon development as a cash-grab opportunity to fleece local residents.

"Wandsworth Labour councillors have already recently voted against further increases to parking permits costs, which will see Wandsworth Council cashing in on an extra £1.26 million a year.

"An Event Day Zone seems a much more measured response to any potential parking issues. This would mean that parking is restricted when matches or major events take place at the stadium. It's a scheme used by other Councils with stadiums, so Wandsworth should do the same.

"In the meantime, Wandsworth Council should suspend the changes with immediate effect."

You can have your say by giving partaking in the survey .

The deadline is Saturday August 14.

What Wandsworth Council has said

When announcing the changes last Friday (July 23), it was said that these changes were important to make sure residents suffer the "least amount of convenience."

Councillor John Locker, the council's transport spokesman, said: "The opening of the football stadium to nearly 10,000 spectators on match days means we need to take steps to safeguard the parking spaces relied on by our residents.

"While many fans will no doubt use public transport to get to games there will always be some who arrive by car which is why it's important we make these changes to ensure that our residents suffer the least amount of inconvenience."

Nub News [I] has asked Wandsworth Council to comment on Rosena Allin-Khan's survey.

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