Some parking charges set to increase for first time in three years as pressure for spaces in Brent increases

Brent locals look set to be consulted about proposed changes to parking charges, and on-street parking in Controlled Parking Zones (CPZ) across the borough.

That's if the proposals get the go-ahead from Brent Council’s cabinet this summer.

There are currently 40 CPZs in the borough, with 33,000 parking places serving 56,000 households, plus businesses, all of whom can have permits for up to three cars and unlimited visitors.

Councillor Eleanor Southwood, cabinet member for the environment, said: "With such pressure on demand, something has to be done.

"We want to work with residents and businesses to shape up a new approach to manage demand, keep traffic moving , reduce accidents and encourage people to use more sustainable transport wherever possible."

If Brent Council's cabinet agrees to the proposals, there will be a conversation with Brent’s residents, schools , traders and businesses who they say will all be given an opportunity to have their say about how the proposals may affect them.

The cabinet members say they will discuss feedback on:

• Freezing parking prices in pay and display bays across the borough to help support high streets and local traders

• New visitor parking arrangements in CPZs, and new charges designed to discourage unnecessary traffic

• Introducing a new annual carer’s permit to support those who offer informal care and support to vulnerable or elderly residents, or others who need regular informal contact

• Changes to schools' entitlements to parking permits within CPZs

• Changes to resident parking permits, limiting entitlement to two cars per household and favouring those who pollute less

• Introducing a new trader permit which would help local businesses such as plumbers, electricians and other traders

Car parking price changes

Brent Council says visitors will still be able to park for £1.50, but only for up to two hours.

This will increase to £3 for up to four hours, and a £4.50 charge for 'all-day' visitor parking of more than four hours, which they say is the first increase in charges since 2013.

At £4.50 the all-day charge would be the same as Ealing , which the council say is cheaper than most other neighbouring boroughs.

The permits specifically for carers would also change, costing £165 for a full year, £99 for six months and £66 for three months.

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Cllr Eleanor Southwood continued: "These proposals are a significant overhaul to on-street parking in the borough.

"This is why cabinet is being asked to agree on wide-ranging consultation with the residents, schools and businesses who are affected, and allow them to shape the discussion by telling us what they think.

"There are many challenges facing the borough which is why the proposals for parking are so extensive. Our population is rising yet the space available to park a car is finite.

"In addition, reducing air pollution and cutting carbon emissions are an important priority to promote the health and wellbeing of our residents."

After the consultation, Brent Council says the final set of proposals will go back to cabinet in June this year.