The Advanced Publication of Reports meeting for Enfield Council was scheduled to discuss the future approach to Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) across the borough. The report pack outlined a proposed new strategy for implementing CPZs, moving from a reactive, resident-led approach to a more proactive and strategic one.

Future Approach to Controlled Parking Zones

The meeting was scheduled to consider a report detailing a proposed new approach to Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) within the London Borough of Enfield. The report aimed to outline the council's current strategy for CPZs, consider their role in meeting transport and growth objectives, and present a new approach for their implementation.

The report highlighted that currently, approximately 15% of the borough is covered by CPZs, primarily around town centres, hospitals, and transport hubs. These zones have largely developed organically in response to resident requests, leading to a varied range of operating days and hours. The report detailed the advantages of CPZs, such as preventing all-day commuter parking, reducing abandoned vehicles, and improving highway safety, as well as disadvantages like the potential displacement of parking to uncontrolled roads and the cost of permits for residents.

A key aspect of the proposed new approach is the introduction of new criteria to guide the prioritisation and delivery of future CPZs. These criteria include:

• Where there is an outstanding commitment to take forward a CPZ.
• Where a CPZ would help achieve a mode shift in favour of active travel and/or public transport.
• Where a CPZ would facilitate the delivery of new housing or employment.
• Where a CPZ would help address an existing parking problem, with on-street parking stress exceeding 85%.

The report recommended that the Cabinet Member for Environment approve this new approach and delegate authority to the Director of Environment and Street Scene to finalise and adjust the programme of CPZ schemes. It also proposed approving the tender for specialist consultancy support to assist with the delivery of the CPZ programme.

The report included a draft programme of CPZ implementation for 2024/25, with specific schemes listed for Arnos Grove, Bounds Green, Bowes East, Windsor & Osborne, Meridian Water, Edmonton Green Extension, Alma, Electric Quarter, Bush Hill Park Extension, Enfield Town Extension, Cockfosters, New Avenue, and Winchmore Hill Extension.

The report also addressed financial implications, legal considerations, procurement, equalities, HR, environmental, public health, property, crime and disorder, and network management implications of the proposed changes. An Equality Impact Assessment (EqIA) was appended to the report, analysing the potential differential impacts of the proposed CPZ changes on various protected characteristics, including age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and belief, sex, sexual orientation, and socio-economic deprivation. The EqIA noted that while the proposals would affect all car users, specific attention would be paid to ensuring accessible engagement with diverse communities and places of worship.