Overview
In Barnet, like many other local authorities, we have a system of parking bays and parking permits that prioritises parking for local residents, businesses and their visitors and customers. These systems are called Controlled Parking Zones.
We have adopted a systematic approach to delivering CPZ’s, incorporating a set of parameters for parking controls which means they should:
- avoid a piecemeal approach (kicking the issue to the next street)
- address anticipated displacement proactively
- address safety concerns such as sightline issues
- be as simple as possible and harmonised – intuitive.
Why we are consulting
We are aware of parking pressures in Colindeep Lane and Varley Parade. We have also received concerns from residents of the neighbouring streets regarding the high levels of non-residential parking. Residents have told us that they find it hard to find parking close to their homes and businesses have indicated their customers are finding it hard to get a parking space when they visit shops.
The roads in this area have no parking controls and the parking issues could mostly be attributed to visitors to shops and displacement from the neighbouring Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs). Uncontrolled parking can impact traffic flow, obstruct sight lines at road junctions and along road bends which increases risk of road accidents.
The proposed Peel Link (a cycling, walking and wheeling link under the Northern Line from Colindeep Lane to Colindale Gardens) will improve north-south connectivity in Colindale with public transport and other amenities like schools and new housing developments. Moreover, Colindale tube station is currently undergoing expansion to accommodate the expected increase in passenger numbers. These developments will also impact the parking situation in Colindeep Lane and the other local streets.
This parking engagement will enable officers to get a clearer understanding of any parking issues that may be happening in these roads. As part of this data gathering exercise, we have also engaged the services of an external agency to carry out parking stress surveys on the roads in the engagement area.
This will help determine whether any changes may be required to improve parking opportunities for residents and businesses as well as accessibility and road safety.
We have provided more information below:
The introduction of parking controls often results in displacement, where drivers park their vehicles in the neighbouring streets with no parking controls. We therefore engage a wider area other than that currently known to be experiencing parking difficulties.
How to give us your views
We want to hear your views regarding the parking and traffic situation on your road. We want to hear from residents, businesses and other properties in the local area.
In particular, we would like to hear your views on:
- any parking issues you are experiencing
- whether or not you would like a CPZ introduced in your road
- what hours and days of the week you would prefer the CPZ to operate if it were to be introduced
- any further comments / suggestions you may have about parking in the area.
We have written to all properties in the roads affected by the measures explaining our proposals in full and inviting them to take part in this parking engagement. You can view the letter sent out here.
In addition, street notices will be erected in the roads in the engagement area, providing a link directly to the online questionnaire.
If you live, have a business or have an organisation in the engagement area and have not received a letter, please contact us using the contact details below, quoting reference number T53042/CLS.
The parking engagement will run from 19 November 2024 until 5 January 2025 to determine the extent of the parking pressures being experienced, if any, in your area.
How to have your say:
Please take the time to complete our online questionnaire below.
If you would like to request a paper questionnaire and any plans showing the proposed area that you cannot access online, or require another format, please contact us quoting reference T53042/CLS., by:
- emailing parking.consultations@barnet.gov.uk
- telephoning Parking Design Team on 020 8359 3555
- writing to: Parking Design Team, Highways, London Borough of Barnet, 2 Bristol Avenue, Colindale, London, NW9 4EW.
If you would like someone to help you complete the questionnaire or need more information, please contact us using one of the above methods.
What happens after the engagement period closes:
All the responses will be analysed, and the outcome will help us determine what action needs to be taken to address areas of concern. We will publish the results, our recommendations and how we are acting on the results of the engagement on this web page in February 2025.
