After years of delays, local residents will have to wait until the summer before they are able to benefit from a local car club scheme. Haringey Council’s proposals to introduce car clubs have for many years stalled, and a small scheme that only proposes to have ten parking bays for the whole borough will not be introduced until 1st July 2008.

Local Liberal Democrats have criticised Haringey Council for dithering over proposals and have demanded reasons why Haringey Council have failed to provide these schemes earlier, considering that neighbouring boroughs have very successful and wide ranging programmes in place.

Lib Dems have recently met with colleagues in Islington who have won national recognition for their Car Club scheme at the London Transport Awards. Car clubs aim to help reduce traffic congestion, on- and off-street parking pressure, pollution and CO2 emissions.

Rachel Allison, Lib Dem Highgate by-election candidate, comments:

“I have first hand experience of the misery caused by car parking pressures and I’m a member of a local car club. However, this is in Islington as Haringey have consistently failed to act decisively to introduce similar schemes that would help to reduce car use, congestion and pollution.

“Neighbouring boroughs have large schemes in place yet Haringey are yet to get of the starting blocks. Once again Haringey residents have been left behind by the Council’s lack of drive.”

Lynne Featherstone, Lib Dem MP for Hornsey and Wood Green adds:

“Haringey Council has been stuck in neutral for too long. It should follow Islington’s lead, instead of proposing a half-hearted scheme of ten parking bays, that won’t provide enough coverage to get the positive environmental outcomes we’ve been hoping for.”