Merton Council will take no decision on proposed amendments to parking in Raynes Park town centre until the autumn to allow further discussions with local businesses and residents. The current consultation, which ends on Friday 7 February, will be extended until Friday 14 February to allow more responses.

Following feedback from local business, Raynes Park Businesses Steering Group and a recent consultation about Controlled Parking Zones (CPZ) it was highlighted that the existing parking restrictions in Raynes Park Centre were confusing to drivers.

The existing proposals suggest changes to the current arrangements introducing a uniform approach in respect of hours of operation and charges. This includes introducing 20 minutes free parking in pay and display bays throughout Raynes Park town centre to increase the amount of people visiting local businesses.

Merton’s cabinet member for environmental sustainability and regeneration, Councillor Andrew Judge said “We want to get this right, so we won’t be taking any decisions immediately, but will hold continuing talks with all the individual businesses as well as residents’ associations about what is right for them and all users of the town centre.

“We do think that an initial 20 minutes free parking in pay and display bays is a good idea as it can lead to a high turnover for customers of shops and cafes. Nonetheless, we are going to listen.”

-ENDS-

Notes to editors

This does not involve the residents’ controlled parking zone proposals which will be decided shortly