Car free schemes are "inflexible"
By Tim Archer
To fix the problems of pollution and congestion, Tower Hamlets Council introduced the concept of all new homes being built as "car-free".
The theory goes that if you ban people from applying for parking permits and prevent developers building parking spaces, residents abandon their cars and use public transport.
Unfortunately this theory doesn't work in practice.
I recently met a family in Limehouse who are living in overcrowded accommodation. They are one of the lucky few who have been offered a new home. Sadly they've had to turn down this offer as it's within a car-free development and the father drives a cab.
Last week the council heard a petition from Narrow Street residents who purchased their properties new in 2002. They were not told they were buying into a car-free development and indeed the council had erroneously sold them parking permits. The council has now identified its mistake and is insisting the development's car-free status is enforced.
It's time for this Labour-run council to think again.
Policy makers need to listen to the needs of residents before imposing inflexible schemes. New developments should be allowed to be built with underground parking and people should not be prevented from having suitable housing because of their need for a car.
- Tim Archer is Conservative councillor, Blackwall & Cubitt Town Ward & prospective MP
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An excellent piece.
We really need some political change in the east end. I hope he gets in.