The Alberts CPZ review (Zone G)

We have been considering parking arrangements in Albert Road.

Background

In 2016, we consulted with residents of Albert Road and adjacent roads on possible changes to the parking restrictions in this area. The basis for this consultation was the concern that despite the introduction of a footway exemption to allow vehicles to partially park on the footway, there may be insufficient width to enable an emergency vehicle to pass unobstructed.

A public meeting was hosted by The Alberts Community Association to discuss the issues and agree a way forward, during which the following two options were developed:

Option 1: Reposition the existing footway parking bays further onto the footway to create additional carriageway width
- Issues raised: Residents who lived on the eastern side of Albert Road felt this approach may make it difficult to access their properties
Option 2: Remove the partial footway parking on the eastern side of Albert Road (the even number side) and replace it with double yellow lines
- Issues raised: This would enhance the appearance of the street and ensure emergency vehicle access but could result in a reduction of parking for approximately twenty vehicles. Though additional parking was identified in nearby roads within the CPZ, this would require residents to park further away from their properties

Result of 2016 informal consultation

Support from residents for Option 1.

Proposal

Since this consultation, complaints regarding accessibility issues have been received from London Fire Brigade, due to parked vehicles on both sides of the road. We have been carefully considering the most appropriate solution for Albert Road. Whilst the merits and local support for Option 1 were acknowledged, it was noted that:

The majority of the footway would be occupied by parked vehicles, placing an increased risk of damage to the frontages of the properties by vehicle manoeuvring
There is no guarantee that this would address the problem, given that inconsiderate parking can occur and/or wider vehicles (4x4s etc) may try to park in these spaces

Taking this into consideration, our view is that unobstructed accessibility for an emergency vehicle should be considered a priority and it cannot allow parking in locations that compromise safety and prevent access. To facilitate this, all parking on the eastern side of Albert Road should be removed (Option 2). There is scope to offset the loss of parking by creating additional parking spaces within Albert Road and the remainder of the CPZ and these are indicated on the attached plans. We are therefore proposing to implement Option 2 along with a number of new parking spaces in the CPZ. While the double yellow line restrictions may not be universally popular, it is hoped that residents will recognise the justification for their introduction.

Plans

Proposed plans for:

Refining proposals

Prior to implementing the changes, in June 2019 we asked for your comments or concerns regarding the plans by completing an online form or writing to the address below:

Head of Engineering Group 1,
Civic Centre,
44 York Street,
Twickenham,
Middlesex,
TW1 3BZ

The consultation ended on Friday 19 July 2019.

The amendments comprised:

Removal of 21 parking spaces in Albert Road, replaced by double yellow lines, installing approximately 27 additional spaces in various locations in the CPZ

In response to the consultation, 11 respondents generally supported the proposals with 18 either objecting to the proposals and/or expressing concerns on all or part of the proposals. Twenty respondents made general comments.

The following revised proposals have been made taking into account the suggestions received along with further observations from officers:

Albert Road - Remove 17 resident spaces on east side between Nos 4 and 56
Albert Road - Add three resident spaces outside Number 37
Albert Road- Add one resident space outside Number 5
Marchmont Road – Add one resident space outside side of Number 25 Kings Road
Kings Road - Add 15 resident spaces outside Number 71 towards Sheen Road and outside Number 90 towards Sheen Road
Princes Road - Add one resident space outside Number 1

In summary, the revised proposals involve the removal of 17 spaces in Albert Road and the creation of 21 new spaces in the CPZ, four of which are in Albert Road. This effectively results in an overall net gain of four new spaces in the CPZ.

We are also looking to add a further four spaces, two of which are opposite the White Horse PH in Albert Road and two are in Princes Road, near to Number 17, we have written to the adjacent of this.

View the proposed layout for:

A relaxed approach to the enforcement of restrictions in the Albert Road area of this CPZ outside its operational hours has been in place since the 1990s. With the need to ensure adequate access for all vehicles, this will be discontinued once the amendments are operating.

The amendments to the CPZ will come into operation on Monday 31 August 2020.

The changes to the CPZ will be implemented by way of Experimental Traffic Orders and will be monitored over the first six months of operation. Implementing the new scheme in this way will provide a period of operational experience and allows for representations to be made during the first six months of operation.

Representations may be made either by:

Post to:
- Head of Engineering (Traffic and Parking Policy), Civic Centre,
  44 York Street,
  Twickenham,
  TW1 3BZ
Email to parkingpolicy@richmond.gov.uk

Decision report

View the decision report and full results

Implementation works

Lining and signing works are expected to be carried out during August 2020. There may be a need to apply some parking suspensions to facilitate the lining works. However, we will endeavour to keep these parking suspensions, along with the amount of signage required, to a minimum.

Up to: Parking reviews

Updated: 19 August 2021

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