You should have received a letter this month to inform you of the council’s proposals to introduce ‘healthy streets improvements and parking controls’ in the area around Palace Road Estate, including Palace Road (the actual road).
These proposals are different to the impending estate parking controls that we are expecting a Traffic Management Order in due course. These proposals were consulted on last year and you can catchup in our blog here.
What are Lambeth proposing – CPZ ‘J’?
Lambeth are proposing to make some changes to the kerbside (the space typically used for car parking) in the Tulse Hill West area which includes Palace Road. They are looking to introduce parking controls to manage vehicle access to the kerbside parking spaces, and also introduce ‘healthy streets improvements’ to make it easier for people to walk, wheel or cycle.
This would take the form of parking controls as follows:
- A new Tulse Hill West ‘J’ Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ)
- An extension to the Brixton Hill ‘F’ CPZ
- An extension to the Tulse Hill ‘H’ CPZ
The proposals area on the surrounding public highway roads only. Should the proposals be introduced in the surrounding public roads, all residents (including those in private and estate roads) who reside within this area would be eligible to purchase a parking permit for the area. Lambeth Housing have already undertaken a separate consultation to manage parking on Lambeth Housing Estates within the vicinity to ensure the estates are protected from any possible parking displacement from the highway.
At this stage, Lambeth haven’t proposed any measures for the healthy streets improvements because they are asking us to tell us what we would like to see in our streets and where. You can share your views by completing their online survey.
Why are Lambeth doing it?
Before the proposals were developed parking occupancy surveys were undertaken to establish the typical parking trends in the area during the week and at weekends. Site observations were also undertaken to identify and assess any local issues such as road safety, accessibility and traffic flow. This information has been considered in assessing the need for parking control measures in the area and the development of the proposals.
Parking occupancy surveys
The parking surveys were undertaken on the 19, 20 and 21 December 2024 and highlighted the following issues:
- The high parking stress in the area is due to the proximity of Tulse Hill Railway Station, as well as multiple bus routes running through and near the area.
- This area is also affected by displacement of parking from neighbouring CPZs, such as the existing Tulse Hill ‘H’ CPZ, Brixton Hill ‘F’ CPZ, and the existing Streatham Hill East
‘M’ CPZ. Approval has been granted for an extension to the nearby Streatham Hill East CPZ and will become operational in April 2025 which could cause further displacement of parking. - About 63% of vehicles observed during the weekday daytime were also present at the weekend. This indicates that a significant proportion of the remaining 37% of weekday parking is likely to be non-residential and potentially would be ineligible to park during the week in a controlled environment freeing up kerbside space for residents and their visitors.
- About 86% of vehicles were cars and 10% were light commercial vehicles.
- The fuel types of vehicles observed indicated that 62% used petrol, 25% diesel and 12% were electric or petrol/electric.
- The emission ratings of vehicles observed also showed that groups A to G (up to 150g
CO2) accounted for 42% of all vehicles with a higher proportion (58%) in the more polluting groups H to M. - The maximum overall average occupancy across the area on weekdays was 91%. Occupancy levels have been calculated on the basis of a design that locates parking bays in safe locations. At the current levels of on-street parking observed a reduction of 25% kerbside space would increase the average maximum occupancy level to 121%.
The on-street observations by officers highlighted the following issues:
- The streetscape is dominated by vehicles throughout the area. The kerbside in unrestricted roads closest to Tulse Hill Railway Station, such as Palace Road (eastern section) and Kinfauns Road, are very congested with many parked vehicles.
- The proposed measures would reduce any non residential long stay and commuter parking.
- Heavy on street parking on Hillside Road impedes traffic flow on this bus route, particularly in the section between Palace Road and Lanercost Road.
- The proposed measures will improve traffic flow for busses on Hillside Road.
- There are many instances where motorists park their vehicles too close to vehicle crossovers (dropped kerbs) restricting access to driveways.
- The proposed measures would ensure parking bays are positioned a minimum of one metre away from the edge of vehicle crossovers to improve access and visibility.
The evidence collected and assessment indicates that parking controls would help to address many of the issues highlighted that relate to parked vehicles and also support the delivery of the council’s policies for transport, the kerbside, clean air and climate change.
Parking Controls in Lambeth
The main benefits of having parking controls are as follows:
- Prioritises vehicle parking for local residents and businesses,
- Prioritises car parking for disabled people to support their mobility,
- Removes commuter, workplace and other long stay parking from local streets and reduces the volume of vehicle traffic,
- Controls parking overspill from new developments,
- Supports provision of measures for sustainable transport modes such as on-street secure cycle parking and on-street electric vehicle charge points,
- Incentivises the use of less polluting or zero emission vehicles to mitigate the impact of climate change and improve air quality.
Lambeth’s Air Quality Action Plan and Climate Action Plan identify road transport as the main source of air pollution in Lambeth. The impact of poor air quality is often felt by the most vulnerable including children and elderly residents, and those already suffering existing health conditions. Parking controls and reallocating kerbside space to sustainable uses play an important role in improving air quality.
Lambeth has a Kerbside Strategy with the commitment to make 25% of their kerbside sustainable by 2030. Transport emissions are responsible for nearly 25% of carbon emissions in Lambeth, despite that 60% of households in Lambeth do not own a car. One of the ways that we can incentivise more active and sustainable travel is through allocating more of our kerbside space to sustainable uses.
‘Free unrestricted parking’ comes at a cost to everyone in terms of public health and the impact on our climate. The proposed changes would allow reasonable kerbside access for local residents who drive, and better support our many residents who don’t own a car and who travel by walking, wheeling or public transport.
How can you give your views?
Lambeth want your views, which you can give by responding to their survey.
They are asking for you to comment on the proposed parking controls and to tell them what else you’d like to see in your area, such as:
Within a parking control scheme:
- Cycle parking
- Electric vehicle charging
- Car club spaces
- Dockless e-scooter and cycle hire
Within the street environment generally:
- Places to stop and rest
- Planting and greening
- Wider pavements
- Parklets
The responses will help Lambeth to develop their proposals to ensure they address local needs.
You will need the property reference number supplied in the letter you received to submit your views. Also please note, only one submission will be accepted per household.
If you’re not able to get online, you can request a paper version of the questionnaire and plan showing proposals in your immediate area by calling 020 7926 6799.
What happens next?
The results of the consultation along with officers’ recommendations will be presented in a report to Cabinet Member for Sustainable Lambeth and Clean Air. Once a decision is made we will be informed accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
Lambeth have a set of FAQs available here.
The FAQs contain more detailed information about healthy streets, parking controls and how any changes may affect us.