Zone “R for Wrong” - Hackney Council admits they cocked up!

As previously reported, on the 30th January, Cllr Ian Sharer, brought a deputation of residents to the Council to say that the implementation of the new controlled parking zone “R” in Hackney Downs was Wrong.

The deputation stated that the consultation had broken the government and the council's own rules and asked that it be re-run.

Among the complaints made were that residents were not told the hours and prices for the new zone until afterwards, that rules were changed mid way through, that permits were already on sale and being advertised while the consultation was still open, and before the decision had officially been made.

“cock-up or conspiracy ?”

Asked whether this was a cock-up or a conspiracy, Cllr Sharer said:

“Whether this was an oversight or something more sinister, it is clear that the consultation on Zone R was highly unsatisfactory and has left residents feeling short-changed. Hackney Council need to remember that they work for us and have a duty not just to behave honourably but to be seen to do so.”

Response from Hackney

Responding to the resident's complaints by email, Gifty Edila, Corporate Director of Legal Services for Hackney Council, confirmed that she found evidence of deviation from the Council's Parking and Enforcement Plan when the initial stage 1 consultation was reduced from the published 6 week period in the PEP, to 4 weeks.

Gifty admitted that a number of procedural deviations followed as a result of which the Council will no longer proceed with the current process to introduce a CPZ in the Rectory Road area.  Because of this, there was no need to respond to the detailed list of complaints issued by the residents.

Gifty confirmed that the Council will terminate the current process. And that the entire process from initial consultation will commence at a future date.

Finally Gifty hoped that the Council's response satisfactorily, resolved the issues raised by residents.

 

Councllor Ian Sharer commenting on the Council's response: "The Council does need to respond to the specific complaints in order to provide a clear and transparent account of how the procedure was breached and how it should be followed in future cases." Ian went on by saying: "The Council, the lead members as well as the ward Councillor's for Hackney Downs Ward have a lot of explaining to do to the residents. Be assured we will be holding them all to account."

 

(Picture taken from the Hackney Gazette website here)