Ealing Council Presses On with Stop and Shop Changes
Despite opposition to new system which requires driver registration
Council claims new system will provide a boost to retailers. Picture: Ealing Council
August 14, 2025
Ealing Council has confirmed that it is proceeding with the introduction of changes to short-stay parking across the borough, despite significant public opposition. The new system, branded ‘Stop and Shop+’, will replace the existing free parking scheme and require drivers to register their 30-minute free sessions via the PayByPhone app, phone, text, or at designated PayPoint stores. The changes will be rolled out between now and October.
According to data obtained through an FOI request, 82% of respondents to the council’s statutory consultation opposed the proposed changes. Critics have raised concerns about accessibility, digital barriers for older residents, and the potential impact on local businesses, particularly in areas where footfall depends on quick and convenient parking.
Despite this, the council is moving forward with the scheme, which it says will simplify parking rules and improve turnover in short-stay bays. Councillor Paul Driscoll, cabinet member for climate action, stated that the new system would “help local businesses by making sure spaces are available for genuine shoppers” and encourage walking and cycling for short trips.
Under the new rules, drivers must actively register their free parking session or risk receiving a Penalty Charge Notice. The council has confirmed that a two-week grace period will apply in each area following the installation of new signage, during which fines will not be issued. Blue Badge holders remain exempt from the changes.
The Stop and Shop+ system replaces a patchwork of time limits that previously varied across the borough. While the council argues that the new approach is fairer and more consistent, many residents say the consultation failed to reflect their concerns. The consultation ran for 21 days and included meetings with local Business Improvement Districts and the High Streets Task Force, but the overwhelming opposition has led some to question whether the feedback was meaningfully considered.
The rollout comes amid wider tensions over parking policy in Ealing borough. Earlier this year, proposals for new controlled parking zones in Greenford were shelved after just 8% of residents supported the plan. That consultation also drew criticism for its format and lack of clear response options.
Further details about the Stop and Shop+ scheme, including start dates and enforcement timelines, are available on the council’s website. Residents are advised to check signage carefully and ensure they register their parking sessions to avoid fines.
Full list of Stop and Shop parking spaces to be converted
Acton Lane, Adelaide Road, Albert Road, Allenby Road, Allendale Road, Alliance Road, Altenburg Avenue, Antrobus Road, Avenue Road, Balmoral Drive, Bedford Road, Belmont Avenue, Belsize Avenue, Bernard Avenue, Bideford Avenue, Bilton Road, Birch Grove, Birkbeck Avenue, Blakesley Avenue, Blondin Avenue, Boileau Road, Bollo Bridge Road, Bollo Lane, Bordars Road, Boston Road, Bramley Road, Broadway, Bromyard Avenue, Broughton Road, Camborne Avenue, Cawdor Crescent, Chapel Road, Cheltenham Place, Church Lane, Church Road, Churchfield Road, Acton, Churchfield Road, West Ealing, Clifton Road, Connaught Road, Cranmer Avenue, Creswick Road, Culmington Road, Dagmer Road, Davis Road, Denehurst Gardens, Devon Close, Devonshire Road, Dormer's Wells Lane, Dudley Gardens, Dudley Road, East Acton Lane, East Churchfield Road, Empire Road, Felix Road, Friars Place Lane, Friary Road, Gladstone Road, Goldsmith Road, Green Avenue, Greenford Avenue, Greenford Road, Gunnersbury Lane, Hammond Road, Hanger Green/Heathcroft, Hartington Road, Hatherway Gardens, Havelock Road, Hawkshead Road, Haydock Avenue, Haydock Green, Hillcrest Road, Home Close, Horn Lane, Hotspur Road, Jessamine Road, Jubilee Gardens, Julien Road, King Edward's Gardens, King Street, Kingsdown Avenue, Kingston Road, Kingswood Road, Lancaster Road, Lee Road, Leeland Road, Leopold Road, Leyborne Avenue, Loveday Road, Mandeville Road, Marchwood Crescent, Market Place, Mattock Lane, Medway Parade, Meon Road, Montague Road, Montague Waye, Montgomery Road, Montpelier Road, Newton Avenue, Newton Grove, Niagra Avenue, Norbreck Parade, North Road, Northfield Avenue, Norwood Road, Old Oak Road, Oldfields Circus, Osterley Park Road, Park Parade, Pitshanger Lane, Punjab Lane, Queens Parade, Queen's Drive, Recreation Road, Regina Road, Rowdell Road, Ruislip Road, Saxon Drive, Shalimar Gardens, South Ealing Road, Southwell Avenue, St. John's Road, St. Leonard's Road, St. Mary's Road, Station Road W5, Station Road W7, Sudbury Heights Avenue, Tachbrook Road, Talbot Road, Tentelow Lane, The Broadway, The Green, The Service Road fronting Greenford Avenue, The Vale, Thorn Close, Thurston Road, Trinity Road, Twyford Crescent, Union Road, Uxbridge Road, Victoria Road, Vyner Road, Wadsworth Close, Wadsworth Road, Waltham Road, Wellington Road, Wharncliffe Drive, Whitton Avenue, Windermere Road, Wood End Gardens, Woodlands Road, Woodville Road, and York Avenue.
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