Forum Topic

Shared Bay Parking in Ealing - Not a Disaster After All?

I was very much against shared bay parking introduced earlier this year in Ealing. I thought it would encourage traffic in the area and make it much more difficult for residents to find parking near their homes.As far as I can see we have not been inundated with commuter parking although I don't live that near a tube station. The bays primarily seem to be used during the day by builders' vans and other vehicles providing services to local residents.One unanticipated side benefit is that previously when someone visited you had to pay for their parking with a voucher or through the app but now you can just direct them to the shared bay.Quite happy to admit to being wrong about this originally if other people can confirm they are see the same impact. This doesn't mean necessarily that it was a good policy - if the bays aren't being heavily used then they won't be generating the promised revenues and implementation was inept with signs having to be replaced almost immediately when the switch was made from Ringgo to PayByPhone. However, dire predictions made by me and others seem not to have come to pass.

Andy Jones ● 2506d3 Comments

I'd think you'd be surprised, Kim. I know a few people who, if they can find cheap parking, would rather sit in the comfort of their car in traffic for longer, than stand on a packed train after paying a lot more than it costs in petrol. Also if your train is delayed, which happens quite a lot on some lines, is there much difference in time?

Tania Bapuji ● 2496d

I live in an area that was expected to see a massive increase of commuter traffic due to its proximity to Acton Main line. During rush hour the traffic is so heavy on the stretch of the A40 between Savoy circus and Hanger lane it makes no sense for commuters to drive and park in Acton central as this would add time to their journey.

Kim Rugg ● 2497d

Having had a few days off with the flu recently I've been able to see how these are actually working. I think you are right that they are mainly used by builders and other trades working on properties in the area rather than commuters. Given the article in the Acton newsletter today it looks like the Council's offer to commuter parkers is being undercut by residents renting out their driveways.

Mark Evans ● 2497d