Permit parking scheme opposed by residents

PROPOSALS for a new scheme to ease parking problems near South Ockendon Railway Station have been met with contemp by nearby homeowners.

Last week Thurrock Council sent out letters outlining the proposals to residents in the affected area, known as the Flowers Estate.

This includes Celandine Close, Larkspur Close, Lime Close, Mayflower Close, Nicholas Close, Rosemary Close, Tamarisk Road, Viola CLose and parts of South Road.

The letter said: “As a result of numerous requests from local residents in streets situated close to South Ockendon Railway Station, the council is proposing to introduce a Residents’ Permit Parking Scheme.

“This is in order to alleviate the parking problems that residents are currently experiencing as a result of commuter parking.”

In the proposal residents will have to buy a Residents’ Permit costing £18 per year with visitor permit cards costing a further £6, which could allow 20 visits with a maximum stay of five hours per visit.

The fee for a Business Permit rockets to £360 per year.

But South Ockendon Residents Association ( SORA) is not convinced the scheme is what the majority of residents want and has backed calls to scrap the plan.

Speaking on behalf of SORA and residents on the Flowers Estate, Chris Savill, said: “Why should we pay for the privilage of parking in our own road when we pay road tax, council tax and no one else has to pay.

“Where is the equality in that.

“Not one penny should be charged to the residents, their families and their visitors.

“History Tells us that most of this comes about because of selfish commuters who are too lazy to get a bus into South Ockendon Station, therefore losing the bus routes altogether, so everyone has to drive in and park.”

The proposed scheme will provide parking bays marked in the road which will be enforceable by the council’s parking attendants.

Parking bays will be eligible for use by residents with a Residents’ Permit and essential business users with a business permit.

Visitors permits will also be available for residents.

The bays will be operational between 10am and 4pm Mondays to Fridays and will deter parking by non-residents such as commuters and visitors to the area.

Yellow line restrictions will operate between 9am and 5pm Mondays to Friday.

The consultation period ends on Friday December 5.