The Lib Dem/Green-led County Council’s consultation on a new Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) for Rose Hill closes at 5pm today, Friday 11 October. Local Labour Councillors are urging all local residents to respond to this formal consultation, so that the County Council gets a clear picture of their views.
“Transport changes must have the support of local people,” says Trish Elphinstone, County Councillor for Rose Hill & Littlemore.
Rose Hill residents can respond here: letstalk.oxfordshire.gov.uk/oxford_rosehill_cpz2024
What actions have the local Labour team taken?
When they heard about the County Council’s proposals over the summer, Labour Councillors Trish Elphinstone and Ed Turner distributed their own surveys to all residents in Rose Hill who would be affected. Trish and Ed received over 175 responses, and 91% were against a CPZ. As a result, they asked the County Council not to go ahead with the CPZ consultation, but sadly the County Council ignored their representations.
The decision about whether to introduce a CPZ for Rose Hill will be made by the Lib Dem Cabinet Member for Transport Management, Cllr Andrew Gant at a delegated decision meeting on Monday 14 November. Labour Councillors will be speaking at this public meeting and representing residents’ views. Residents have said very clearly that they do not want a CPZ, and Labour Councillors Trish and Ed will be opposing a CPZ in Rose Hill. Members of the public can speak by contacting Jack.Ahier@oxfordshire.gov.uk by 9am, 4 working days before the meeting.
Labour County Councillor for Rose Hill & Littlemore, Trish Elphinstone says, “I support CPZs in areas that want them. Local residents have clearly told us that a CPZ isn’t needed as it is ‘solving’ a problem that doesn’t exist here. Labour County Councillors did not vote for a CPZ in our area – the Lib Dem Highways Chief, Cllr Andrew Gant chose them for a consultation and the decision rests with him.”
“I’m concerned about the cost of the consultation when the result will be inevitable rejection,” adds City Councillor for Rose Hill & Iffley, Ed Turner. “I’d be more concerned still if the County Council intended to ignore the results of the consultation.”
What else are your Labour team working on?
In response to Trish and Ed’s survey, residents set out a number of other important issues needing attention which they have fed through to the County Council, including:
- Chaotic parking and congestion around Rose Hill shop parade.
- The need for clear double yellow lines around Rose Hill Primary School and the zebra crossing there.
- Action (such as traffic lights) to help people come in and out of Ashhurst Way from the main road.
- Problems associated with pavement parking.
Labour Member of Parliament for Oxford East, Anneliese Dodds MP says, “It is essential the County Council listens to local opinion before bringing in CPZs. I would also urge them to address dangerous parking, for instance on corners and by the zebra crossing, on Rose Hill and elsewhere.”
What is a Controlled Parking Zone or CPZ?
Controlled Parking Zones are areas where kerb-side parking for non-permit holders is only permitted at certain times or for a fixed period. Residents, their visitors, and local businesses can park in designated bays when displaying a relevant parking permit for that zone. Some spaces are also available for short-term parkers, and Blue Badge holders can park without restriction. Oxfordshire County Council has introduced schemes in Oxford City to manage problems caused by commuter parking and congestion.
What is the eligibility for parking permits?
Eligibility criteria for parking permits are set centrally by the County Council. More information can be found out at: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/residents/roads-and-transport/parking/parking-permits. Resident permits cost £80 per year. Business permits are available, too.