ByRobyn Rosen, Robyn Rosen
The strictly Orthodox Stamford Hill community is warning that suggested parking restrictions will "destroy the social structure of the area".
Hackney Council is consulting residents about a proposed local controlled parking zone (CPZ). During its operational hours, visitors would need to purchase a pay-and-display ticket or face a fine. Residents or employees in the area would have to buy a residential permit, costing £92 for a year, or a £380 business permit.
If a majority of residents and businesses support the plan, the council would "consult with affected people again on the design of the new CPZ, including the types of parking bays and operational hours".
Otherwise, "the area would remain free of parking controls. However, we would continue to monitor the situation closely and would consult again where a need is shown."
There are around 20 synagogues within the proposed area, as well as kosher shops and Jewish schools.
Chanoch Kesselman, executive co-ordinator of the Union of Orthodox Hebrew Congregations, said the suggested CPZ "will cause large-scale disruption to residents and also to people coming to the area from outside the proposed zone. It will also affect the elderly and sick who rely on carers and health visitors. This is a callous move on the part of Hackney which will completely destroy the social structure of the area."
The consultation period closes on March 7 and the results will be published in May.