Sutton Council is to consult with residents and local businesses on a new parking strategy for the borough, following recent surveys that found inconsiderate parking to be residents’ number one issue. The council is now acting on those parking concerns, especially since anticipated population growth is likely to put extra pressures on available parking space in the future.

Sutton has the sixth-highest levels of car ownership and usage out of the 33 London boroughs. This has led to issues about traffic congestion and air quality in the borough. A high level of car ownership in streets with older houses without garages and with a concentration of flats has contributed to parking stresses as off-street parking can be difficult in these areas.

The Parking Strategy and Policy document, which has been approved by Sutton Council’s Environment and Neighbourhoods committee, sets out how the council plans to assess, review and manage on-street parking in the borough in the coming years.

This will mean proposals for new schemes in some parts of the borough that have no schemes at present, but which experience particular parking problems, for example around St Helier Hospital. The borough’s current Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) arrangements will also be reviewed to assess if these on-street parking schemes are still fit for purpose.

The first three years of the five-year strategy, starting in April 2017, will focus on the borough areas with the most parking problems on an area-by-area basis. Particular emphasis will be on looking at so-called “attractors and generators”, such as around railway and bus stations, hospitals and clinics, schools and colleges, local High Streets and shopping areas, and superstores and new development sites, to see how the on-street parking situation can be improved.

Car parks will also be looked at to see how their use can be made more attractive to reduce problems with on-street parking.

The aim is to have a borough-wide parking management and enforcement policy that manages predicted demand for on-road parking and avoids a future where Sutton has too many cars and too few parking spaces.

On-street parking has already been reviewed and residents consulted in the six local committee areas of Sutton Local; St Helier The Wrythe and Wandle Valley; South Sutton, Cheam and Belmont; Carshalton and Clockhouse; Cheam North and Worcester Park; and Beddington and Wallington. This followed an increasing number of enquiries to the council from residents and businesses having problems with on-street parking.

Reviewing parking conditions in an integrated fashion borough-wide across the six local committee areas will prevent random ad hoc approaches being taken in different places across Sutton. This will mean a consistent approach across the borough.

Cllr Jill Whitehead, Chair of the Environment and Neighbourhoods Committee at Sutton Council, said:

“Sutton is proud to be a green borough and traffic congestion is a major challenge, given the potential for significant population growth in the coming years. This is why it is vital that we have in place a sound strategy for managing the anticipated increase in demand for parking space. Sutton has the sixth-highest levels of car ownership and usage in London. Our key transport objectives are to improve public transport links and to encourage more short journeys undertaken by bicycle or on foot. But the parking policy and strategy will also be key in improving traffic flow and regulating the movement of traffic to prevent gridlock.

“The rising population of London means that a better transport system is a priority. But we need a parking strategy that deals with increased demand for road space. We are inviting residents and local businesses to have their say about the parking strategy and how to avoid a crisis of road space in future.”

The Parking Strategy supports the aspirations of One Planet Sutton, the Sustainable Transport Strategy, the Cycling Strategy, the Local Plan, the Town Centre Masterplan and the Sutton 2031 growth agenda.

Leading Labour councillor quits the party and joins the Lib Dems.

Cllr Andrew Lomas has quit as deputy Leader of the Labour group on Kensington & Chelsea Council, and will now sit for Colville ward as a Liberal Democrat.

Cllr Jill Whitehead, Chair of the Environment and Neighbourhood Committee at Sutton Council, said:

“Beri Juriac’s article in The Stage newspaper makes interesting reading. He helpfully suggests councils should sponsor the arts, whilst recognising councils have no money to do so due to unprecedented Government cuts to funding.

“We made no secret of the fact we could no longer afford to run and heavily subsidise the Secombe and Charles Cryer Theatres. For each show we put on, more than four seats in five were empty. It was simply unsustainable.

“With cross-party agreement we held a six-month process to find the talented, industry-leading operators the theatres in Sutton deserved. This thorough process, including compelling presentations and interviews, recommended Beri Juriac and Sutton Theatres Trust as the people who could save Sutton’s theatres.

“It is disappointing then to read Mr Juriac’s comments, given how well he promoted his ability to lead the theatres into profitability. He should perhaps consider his own role, rather than blame the council for the failings of Sutton Theatres Trust. The Trust benefitted from 15 months of rent-free use of the theatres, received free repair work to the theatres before the transfer, and received the equipment and fittings the Trust needed to succeed. Usually when you take a building on a lease, you take on responsibilities. To give the Trust the best chance of success we gave them the best-possible start.

“At no point did the Trust ever indicate any financial problems when meeting with the council. We were therefore as surprised as many to learn of their failure. Many residents I have spoken to were concerned, however, by the Trust’s approach to theatre production and promotion. Many residents suggested shows could be better advertised in the borough, noting there were no posters or leaflets in our local shops, on our noticeboards or interestingly, in our local newspapers.

“The reasons why Sutton Theatres Trust failed are many, just as is the case with similar stories across the country. Beri took on the deal Sutton Council offered with his eyes wide open. He failed to make it work, and that failure will further damage the cause of local theatre in Sutton. To try and lay the blame at the door of those who tried to help you the most, without recognising your own role, is disingenuous at least.”

The Energising the Sustainable Economy in Cities summit is being hosted by Sutton Council and the Covenant of Mayors Office. Representatives from pioneering cities, organisations and businesses will share strategies and case studies to help cities take a best-practice approach to delivering innovative sustainability policies.

The summit will highlight best practice and innovative approaches to financing and delivering sustainable energy investment in cities. There will be presentations by representatives from Vienna, Copenhagen, Ljubljana, Gothenberg, Almada and Brussels.

Chris Jill and Hamish: out and about in Carshalton Central

Carshalton Central Cllr Jill Whitehead, Chair of the Environment and Neighbourhood Committee at Sutton Council, said:

“As a One Planet borough, Sutton has long been committed to environmental sustainability. Through this summit we are bringing together partner organisations and delegates from across the UK and Europe to share advice and good practice, and learn from each other. We look forward to welcoming cities to join us for what will be an enjoyable and enlightening summit.”

The summit is at the Sutton Holiday Inn on Tuesday 18 October. Admission is free, through places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. To book a place, either email tim.taylor@sutton.gov.uk and/or register on Eventbrite by going here.