Windsor Drive parking change objection reply
Dear Member,
T804 – WINDSOR DRIVE, CHELSFIELD (map)
I refer to comments in relation to the proposed scheme in Windsor Drive, Chelsfield. I can confirm that the comments and objections received have been investigated and reviewed and a decision has been made to implement the changes as advertised, and as per the attached plan. This decision has been made for the following reason:
"Introducing paid parking is considered necessary to enable effective enforcement, promote regular turnover, and support local businesses by providing fair access to parking for shoppers.
While concerns were raised about the impact on high street vitality, there is limited evidence linking type of parking provision directly to economic performance. The number of bays will remain the same as it is currently.
Windsor Drive is, in respect, no different to the other locations across the Borough that have had pay-bays in place for years or are currently in the process of being reviewed for pay by phone parking."
All objections received have been thoroughly reviewed and addressed directly by Officers, which are outlined in the table below.
The Traffic Management Order will now be made, and works will be undertaken to make the changes on street.
| Objection / Comment | Officer Response |
|---|---|
| Will impact business / Reduce footfall / be detrimental to Shops | There is no evidence to suggest that introducing charges will negatively affect local businesses. Importantly, there is no reduction in parking provision as the number and availability of bays remain unchanged. Both residents and visitors will continue to have access to parking, with only the restrictions being updated. |
| Stop me using shops - Push shoppers elsewhere (for free parking) | It is noted that in some instances persons may use other facilities, however, the facility to park remains available with enforcement ensuring that commuters etc do not park in the bays for long periods. |
| Discriminates the Elderly - Non-Smart Phone Users | There is no evidence that all older people or disabled individuals are unable to use smartphones. In June 2023, all pay-and-display machines were removed in Bromley, making RingGo the only method of payment for parking across the Borough. Importantly, payment can be made not only via the app but also by phone call. An equality impact assessment was carried out in this regard and is available on the Council website. |
| Financial Impact on Residents and / or Businesses - Unreasonable to have to pay for parking | Paid parking outside shops and high streets is common practice in the London Borough of Bromley and across the country. While payment may now be required in some locations, residents and shoppers are under no obligation to park there. The Council's primary aim is to improve bay turnover and prevent overstaying, which in turn supports increased footfall and benefits local businesses. |
| Current Situation is effective - Parking restrictions are already in place - No problem with current arrangement | The comments are noted, however visits carried out, and comments made during the consultation indicate that vehicles are overstaying at the location, to which enforcement is difficult. |
| Handing over data to Ringo - Poor Ringo Service - Do not want to use app – Security concerns – Lack of Mobile Service | RingGo Ltd, one of the UK parking industry's largest processors of card payments, ensures that all data captured during transactions is encrypted and stored securely. Its systems and procedures are accredited by independent assessors on behalf of the payment card industry. (app analysis report) While the Council does not control phone or internet services at the location, no issues have been reported regarding connectivity within the Windsor Drive area, where RingGo is in operation nearby. |
| Revenue / Money Making Scheme | These parking proposals are to focused on issues and solutions for parking problems of overstaying. However, covering the cost of enforcement is necessary and this can be achieved by charging motorists rather than passing the cost to all council tax payers. |
| Impacts Church and Community Centre & Doctors by removing parking that is required for these facilities that are free | Vehicles and persons can still park on Windsor Drive as parking has not been removed and is still permitted. There has been a change of restrictions and not a prevention of parking. It is common practice to have chargeable parking on street, and the location or amenities that it serves (including Churches, Community Centres & Doctors) |
| Pushes vehicles in to nearby residential roads | It is noted that some parking may shift to nearby areas, given the high demand and premium placed on free parking. However, there is no guarantee this will occur. Additionally, nearby residential roads are subject to existing parking restrictions, which may limit alternative options. |
| Won't be able to "pop-in" quickly | There is no change to the availability of parking at the location. users can still use the bays and "pop-in quickly" at the location, as there is a change of restrictions and not a removal of parking. Linear charging is in place for small durations such as 5 minutes. Furthermore, there are no guarantees that the driver would always be able to park. |
| Follow the example of The Crescent and Ringo | Each location is visited and reviewed individually. |
| Implement changes outside the Pub (No.1-9) and remain free outside shops (No. 11-51) | Free parking with time limits is difficult to enforce effectively, which is why the proposed changes have been introduced across all the bays. The current bays outside the shops (No. 11-51) are time-restricted and free to use currently, but they are frequently abused. Implementing these changes will improve compliance and ensure fair turnover, helping to prevent misuse and support better access for all users. |
| The proposal will raise minimal revenue | It is noted that revenue may be limited, however, the revenue will provide income for the Council while parking is effectively managed. |
| Council should listen to those who pay council tax - Listen to concerns | The consultation is undertaken to gain the opinion and comments of those effected, before a decision is made. |
| Lack of enforcement of existing bays | Enforcement is carried out by Parking Services. Enforcing limited time waiting bays can be extremely difficult and time consuming for the Civil Enforcement Officers (CEOs) as they must visit each bay twice and log the vehicle before they can enforce. Changing these bays to paid-for parking will allow for the bays to be enforced effectively, freeing up the resource of the CEO as well as ensuring the turnover of bays, which in turn will support the local shops. |
| Council should listen to those who pay council tax - Listen to concerns | The consultation is undertaken to gain the opinion and comments of those effected, before a decision is made. |
| There is no benefit to the proposals | Changing these bays to paid-for parking will allow for the bays to be enforced effectively, freeing up the resource of the CEO as well as ensuring the turnover of bays is achieved, which in turn will support the local shops. |
| Current situation prevents commuter parking | Enforcement of the current bays is ineffective as they are very difficult to enforce. The proposals are not to address or to provide more commuter parking, but to address the overstaying of all users. |
| We park all day / our staff need bays to park | It is noted from previous communications that staff and businesses park for the day. The bays are not provided for staff commuting to work or for the operation of businesses, but for shoppers. Staff parking is one reason bays are not being turned over. |
| Lack of consultation and shops not informed | Letters informing businesses and residents of the proposed changes were sent out in May 2025 and August 2025. Subsequently, a formal consultation (a statutory requirement) was undertaken, which has invited the comments within this report. |
| Have time limited parking for free before charges - 1st hour free | Parking that needs enforcement needs to be paid for. The current bays are time-restricted and free to use, but they are frequently abused. Implementing these changes will improve compliance and ensure fair turnover, helping to prevent misuse and support better access for all users. |
| Stop implementation of the changes to the single yellow line | Under the proposals there are no changes to the single yellow line. |
| Deliveries and larger lorries must be able to park - Takeaway Drivers | The proposed changes will have no impact on the ability to carry out deliveries. They will still be able to park the same as now for loading. |
| Blue Badge holder expects free parking | Under the proposals, Blue Badge holders can still park for free at the location. |
| Business permit should be considered | This will be investigated separately. |
| A petition has been filed in objection to the proposals | The petition in objection to the proposals is noted and commented on below under "Petition". |
Conflict with Council Duties and Policy:
The council's own Local Plan and Economic Development Strategy |
The proposals are not in conflict with the policies noted. The proposals have gone through the Council's PDS Committee. See link to the report here - Report No ES20471 and have been subject to an equalities impact assessment. |
| Questionable assumptions about misuse of parking and overstaying | The comments are noted, however visits carried out, and comments made during the consultation indicate that vehicles are overstaying at the location, to which enforcement is difficult. |
| Parking is already becoming too restrictive | It is common practice with the Borough and the Country to have parking restrictions, of any form, outside of shopping parades. |
| Alternative finance and funding should be reviewed | The decision to introduce charges for time-limited bays was approved by Cllr Bennett, Portfolio Holder for Transport, Highways & Road Safety, following scrutiny and support from the relevant council committee. Covering the cost of enforcement is necessary and this can be achieved by charging motorists rather than passing the cost to all council taxpayers. |
| Address over-parking concerns at Warren Road | The Council is currently in the process of addressing the parking by commuters on Warren Road. |
| No consideration on impact to vulnerable persons such as those with young children or pregnant women | There is no change to the availability of parking at the location, as there is a change of restrictions and not a removal of parking. Those who park before, still can. The proposals have been subject to an equalities impact assessment. |
| Some businesses may require longer stays then the proposals | The proposals increase the current maximum stay from 2 hours to 3 hours. Those that are parking now, which is not sufficient, are in contravention. |
| This proposal will push drivers to the Church Car Park | This is a private property, and it is outside of the remit of the Council. It is down to the landowner to address any parking concerns that may occur. |
Thank you for your contribution.
Traffic & Parking Services
Bromley Civic Centre Churchill Court
2 Westmoreland Road, Bromley, BR1 1AS
TrafficManagementOrders@bromley.gov.uk
London Borough of Bromley