A residents’ association have accused Enfield Council of trying to “sneak through” new parking charges.

The authority is considering raising parking costs to up to £5.00 per day, and creating 20 free new spaces which will be free for 45 minutes the Fords Grove Car Park in Winchmore Hill.

Other streets could also be painted with new yellow lines.

Allison Lee, president of the Winchmore Hill Residents’ Association, said these are being proposed to compensate for the possible future loss of parking spaces in the nearby Winchmore Hill Broadway section of Green Lanes due to Cycle Enfield.

She said: “There is a very obvious reason why the Council has decided not to have any proper public consultation about these proposals and to cravenly rely on the legal bare minimum of the publication of dry as dust Traffic Orders, which are stuffed full of legalese.

“This would be one of the worst results of the proposed Cycle Enfield scheme, which would include cycle lanes being constructed on both sides of that road.

“Equally obviously, the Winchmore Hill Residents Association has sent some strong objections to the council about this scheme, and maybe residents of Fords Grove and Farm Road would like to do the same thing.”

Ms Lee said the upshot of the plans would be many of the cars currently parked all day in this car park would be parked in Fords Grove and Farm Road.

The council are considering new single yellow lines in those roads, plus double yellow lines at the junction of Fords Grove, Firs Lane, and Halstead Road.

Andrew Golder, press and new media manager for Enfield Council said: "Fords Grove car park is currently unregulated and mainly used by commuters parking all day, which does nothing to support the local high street.

“Therefore, by converting it into Pay and Display and, in addition, offering 20 spaces that will be free for up to 45 minutes, we believe this will incentivise people to support local businesses.” 

The consultation deadline is May 4.

People can get involved either by post to Head of Traffic and Transportation, Civic Centre, Silver Street, Enfield, EN1 3XD, or by e-mail to traffic@enfield.gov.uk.