Opinions Sought Over Olympic Parking Plan

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Live or own a business in Southfields? They want to hear from you.....

Business owners and residents in Southfields are being invited to comment on a temporary parking restriction proposal, which is planned to last for more than six weeks next year when Wimbledon hosts two tennis tournaments.

The London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) is proposing to introduce a parking protection zone in parts of Southfields and West Hill wards to operate from the start of Wimbledon, on June 25, until the end of the Olympic tennis event on August 6.

The planned zone, which would be in operation from 8.30am to 9.30pm Monday to Sunday, would cover the existing CPZ around Replingham Road and extend across to Wimbledon Parkside, covering Augustus Road and Victoria Drive.

LOCOG's parking protection zone aims to provide a safe and secure environment around the venue, keep the traffic moving and prioritise parking for local people.

But Richard Tracey, London Assembly member for Merton & Wandsworth, said he was concerned this was going too far and residents would suffer. He said: "I sense this is getting somewhat over the top. We are all used to Wimbledon Tennis Championships traffic in the areas of Wimbledon and Southfields, but this seems a new dimension. I am enquiring further."

London 2012 spokesman Craig Beaumont told him in response:

For Wimbledon, I would add that:

• We have engaged with all residents and businesses living around the Wimbledon venue in the proposed temporary parking area – this includes residents in both Merton and Wandsworth.

• The proposed restrictions on parking cover exactly the same area as for the Tennis Championship – the only change is to the operational hours in order to cover the later competition sessions.

• We are talking in detail with LB Merton and Wandsworth too, of course. These discussions are going well and we are writing to them with a letter of commitment for all of this.

Mr Tracey added: "I am pleased that my representations on this are being promptly addressed. Clearly residents and local businesses need to be totally briefed on what faces them for six weeks next summer and to be able to put forward their views."

LOCOG has said it will publish a summary of responses from residents and business owners on the London 2012 website.

There will also be a formal consultation on the measures between December 22, 2011, and January 19, 2012.

Anyone wishing to comment can email wandsworthparking@london2012.com, call 0800 0111 300 or write to Freepost Traffic and Parking Enquiry.

December 16, 2011