A message from our Councillors regarding the parking consultation.
Following a recent informal public meeting, it is apparent from emails and phone calls that wrong information is being circulated which we want to correct. Please also read the forthcoming Oxhey Opinion.
These are the most frequently asked questions.
Why are you doing this?
Because whenever we knock on doors, do surveys, get emails and replies to Oxhey Opinion, problems of parking is the number one issue and some form of parking controls the most frequent request.
We did a similar exercise a few years ago and the villagers decided against proceeding to the next stage. But we are aware that people’s views may have changed, and we have had many newcomers in this time – this preliminary consultation is testing that out and including everyone living here now.
Isn’t it a done deal?
The questionnaire had a scheme on it as if you’ve already decided to introduce parking controls!
Absolutely not! You decide – our job is to get your voices heard. The council have done this all over the town we have certain principles we always stick to. We never force a scheme onto a community and we don’t have a one size fits all approach to this; we take each area as unique and work to try to solve their particular issues.
In North Watford, at this stage residents voted overwhelmingly to explore the option of controlled parking. That is what you are being asked now. At the next stage having looked in detail at all the pros and cons they voted NOT to go any further as it would not solve their particular problems. The reverse happened on the Cassiobury estate.
We are neutral, neither us as your councillors nor the council have an “agenda”. But we feel that whatever the outcome, it is better this is based on clear evidence of what people think now.
So is the scheme outlined in the questionnaire the one we will get if it goes ahead?
No far from it – it was indicative based on knowledge about what MIGHT work. Based on the information you have provided in your responses and IF there is a desire to explore further, a full scheme will be worked up and consulted on. Even at this later stage changes can be made. We are only at the start of a long process.
We feel the questionnaire wasn’t detailed enough we still have loads of questions.
At this stage it is quite general we just want an indication if there is an appetite to look at the detail. The later process is lengthy, technical and much more information and evidence is given to you so when the final consultation comes you have all the details of boundaries, lines, signs, hours of operation, cost and availability of permits and visitor vouchers etc. and will be able to make an informed decision.
Why hasn’t there been an official public meeting?
From the council’s experience public meetings, at this stage, are always acrimonious and are rarely helpful. They tend to generate more heat than light, resulting in bad feeling and little information.
Which is why we are encouraging everyone to reply -this is a genuine mandate for action to explore further or to drop the whole thing.
What happens now?
It depends on what you have said in your consultation replies that will now be analysed by the council.
If you want us to go ahead then we move to the detailed design of a scheme with further consultation, will be exhibitions, drop-in sessions, plenty of opportunity to really explore the pros and cons and get the information you seek from experienced officers and to answer the key question ‘Will this help solve my parking problem and make life easier?’ or ‘Is the cure worse than the illness?’
On the other hand, if the outcome of the current consultation is a ‘No’ then that gives us a clear answer and things will be left as they are.
As your councillors, our job is to make sure as many people as possible respond and to get involved in making sure the process is done correctly and to make sure that whatever the outcome, it is based on clear evidence of what people want.
Source: Oxhey LibDems