Liberal Democrats have set up an on-line survey to monitor views about the Stop-and-Shop parking schemes that have been introduced today in Muswell Hill and Crouch End. The party wants to find out fully what impact these schemes have on the local community.

The Labour Council has been criticised by Lib Dems for imposing these schemes despite overwhelming rejection from the local communities. Questions have also been raised about the cost of ‘unnecessary’ parking surveys in Muswell Hill and Crouch End completed only after the new parking schemes were given the green light by the Council. Figures uncovered by the Lib Dems have shown that the surveys cost a staggering £38,325. The Labour Council has admitted that kerbside space in adjoining residential roads is already at saturation point in both Muswell Hill and Crouch End so just counting the comings and going of cars in this expensive survey just before their scheme is even implemented is meaningless, say Lib Dems.

Cllr Martin Newton, Lib Dem spokesperson on traffic issues comments:

“We have set up an on-line survey to really find out what impact these schemes have on the local community as Labour seem incapable of carrying out any meaningful consultation. What is important is to ask traders, visitors and residents about the impact of the scheme when this is operational. Has there been a change in perception over parking from visitors and residents?What impact has there been on local businesses?”

Cllr Lyn Weber (Crouch End) adds:

“I was astonished when I found out the cost of the most recent Council survey. But more worrying is that the Council told us from the outset that surveys had been done to study the traffic in the area. If these were done why do they need to be done again? This money could have been used more fruitfully by mending the countless number of holes in Haringey’s roads or planting new trees.”