FURIOUS neighbours are rallying against proposals to extend parking restrictions in Edgware.

A consultation is currently under way to extend a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ), which operates 10am to 11am Monday to Friday, to include Oakleigh Gardens and surrounding streets.

Barnet Council says the proposals are in response to parking concerns from people living in Oakleigh Gardens.

But critics say it is unnecessary, and hundreds of people have signed petitions opposing the move.

Myk Tucker, of Hillersdon Avenue, said gathering signatures had been “like pushing against an open door”, as opposition was so widespread.

He said: “Everyone is furious. They tried it 14 years ago and everyone said no then. It is not needed. We said no then, and we will say no now.”

Mr Tucker said the council’s response seemed overblown, as only one road experienced problems.

He said: “It is unfortunate the council have gone down this path, there should have been a more sensible approach. Someone else has a little bit of a grievance, which is not properly sorted out with dialogue. This is like taking a sledgehammer to crack a nut.

“Everyone says it is a stupid idea. Once you are in, you are there for good. This is suburban, not urban. It has wound a lot of people up.”

Streets which would be affected include Cambourne Road, Mayfair Court, Hillersdon Avenue, Barnwell Close, Kings Drive, Lacey Drive, Spring Court and Orchard Drive.

Times Series:

A map of the CPZ, with the proposed extension outlined in purple

Steven Garfinkel, 64, of Orchard Drive, said: “There is a problem down Oakleigh Gardens, and people are getting fed up there. But they want to include all our roads. If you look down the road here, there are not loads of cars.

“I refuse to pay for parking outside my own home. Why should I have to pay for it? We pay our council tax. The other problem is once it is installed, you cannot get rid of it.”

Jim O’Leary, 78, of Kings Drive, said: “We do not need it. I park on the road and it is never been an issue. Everybody has said they do not want it.”

A council spokesman said: “Concerns have been raised by a number of residents about the lack of on-street parking in the area and this informal consultation is about getting a better understanding of the extent of their concerns.

“Questionnaires have been hand delivered to houses in Oakleigh Gardens and surrounding roads and the results of this informal consultation will determine whether any concrete proposals need to be brought forward for formal consultation.”

The consultation will end on Friday (November 6).