Cllr Maines calls for 1 hour visitor parking permits (Lewisham Liberal Democrats)

Lewisham Liberal Democrats <info@lewishamlibdems.org.uk>

Cllr Maines calls for 1 hour visitor parking permits

December 10, 2011 10:55 AM
By Lewisham Lib Dems - CM / JH

Cllr Maines has called for the introduction of 1 hour visitors' parking permits, following concerns that the current charging system unfairly penalises visitors of the elderly.

Visitors' permits in Lewisham now cost £5.80 for a full day, or £2.80 for half a day. So a person who visits a friend for 15 minutes must purchase the same visitors' permit as a person visiting for five hours.

Following Cllr Maines' representations at a recent meeting of Mayor and Cabinet, costings for the proposal have been requested.

Commenting Cllr Maines said:

"Relatives and friends of elderly residents who want to pop in for a quick chat or a cup of tea are unfairly penalised by the present system of charging. Having to buy a five hour permit, which costs almost £20 a week if you visit every day, really adds up, particularly if you are on a low income.

As a councillor, I often meet elderly residents, whose friends and family are deterred from visiting them as often as they would like because of the present charging system.

It also affects local tradesmen calling to give estimates or make a deliveries.

Visitors' permits are a massive concern to local residents throughout Lewisham and a one hour visitors' permit would make a huge difference. I do hope that the current visitors' permit system will now be rethought."

Meanwhile, Blackheath Liberal Democrats have launched a petition for one hour parking permits for the area, which is a controlled parking zone and has no unrestricted parking.

Contact: Cllr Chris Maines - Cllr_chris.maines@lewisham.gov.uk