From a resident:-
“A proposal to split parking zone J into two, divided by the railway line is currently open to consultation as a result of a petition from just 16 residents south of the line. They argue that J is too big, stretching as it does to Preston Drove and that ‘internal commuting’ from northern J residents parking for town or the station worsens their parking situation. No doubt there is some truth in this. I for one hold my hand up.
“While a split zone may help them, it will of course worsen parking for those living in the southern edge of the northern split part, ie Springfield, Southdown etc. especially near the station if the ‘internal commuting’ theory is true, as these streets become the furthest south and closest to town they can go, and of course London Road station.
“I have a sense of deja vu. The current zone J began in the area south of the line, displacing non-resident parking into the Southdown Rise area and leading to the campaign which culminated in J extension as far as Stanford Avenue. Following this, a further wave of northward displacement led to the further extension to Preston Drove. Both extensions caused division and acrimony within the community. This proposed split will lead us full circle: once again a break-away southern J zone will displace its problem onto its immediate northern neighbours. If this split goes ahead it may be only a matter of time before we hear voices in Southdown Rise for a further split of the remaining northern J, along Stanford Avenue.
“I think Zone J works pretty well as it is for the majority of its residents. I hope all residents will complete the online consultation and add a comment about the proposed split.”
The consultation can be found here.
Southdown Rise Residents Association 