No Parking Permit Scheme for Henry Road, Chelmsford
At a recent South Essex Parking Partnership meeting it was decided not to implement a parking permit scheme.
The committee were particularly concerned about information relating to Fixed Penalty Notices which, in their opinion, appeared to disadvantage those who had followed council procedure and paid for dropped kerbs.
The survey results were discussed. They showed 32 in favour, of which 11 stated they supported a Henry Rd only scheme. Cllr Jude Deakin said "I'm not sure how the option of a Henry Road Zone even came about as Chelmsford doesn't operate its parking zones in this way. It was never an offered option". As this option was not possible the consultation figures were more like 22 for, 11 unknown and 10 against. When the scheme was later advertised in the press SEPP received 10 letters in favour and 12 against.
Residents who spoke at the meeting suggested a consultation based on what was actually being offered, however this was rejected.
The committee was advised, by officers, that if permit zone parking was implemented then the council would be unable to issue Fixed Penalty Notices to anyone parking and blocking dropped kerbs, if they had the appropriate parking permit. It should be noted that paper permits are no longer issued in the Chelmsford area so residents are unable to identify a legitimately parked vehicle from any other.
These were reasons mentioned by objectors.
All of this was considered by the committee who decided that it would be better to maintain the status quo and it could be revisited in two years time should residents request it.