Tower Hamlets to launch CPZ in Fish Island area of Bow

Concerns about increasing traffic congestion, pressure on street parking and road safety mean that Tower Hamlets Council will be operating a new controlled parking zone (CPZ) in Bow, East London, from 14 December.

Correspondence sent to all residents and businesses in Fish Island explains that the scheme and the restrictions that are being introduced under an Experimental Traffic Management Order.

The restrictions have become necessary because on-street parking pressure in the area has increased and is expected to continue increasing due to new developments. These include visitor parking for events at the Olympic Park, which will also host West Ham Football Club’s new home from August 2016.

Activity at the stadium will mean that more traffic is expected, along with an increased demand on kerbside parking. The council hopes that parking controls will ensure an easing of traffic flows and allow for parking for all residents, businesses and visitors in the area.

The experimental order is intended to be in place for 12 months, but may last for up to 18 months. The council says that the restrictions and terms of the order, including the hours of operation, may be varied. The council may also convert the experimental order into a permanent order at any point during the order’s lifetime.

Tower Hamlets anticipates reviewing the scheme after six months and may decide, depending on the outcome of the review, to make the order permanent by December 2016.

During the restricted times, motorists wishing to park will need to display a valid permit, such as an on-street resident parking permit, temporary resident parking permit or a visitors scratch card, or pay at a pay & display machine or via a pay-by-phone service.

Until 11 January 2016 the council will issue warning notices to all vehicles not displaying a permit or paid parking time to ensure that residents, businesses and all customers have time to apply for permits. After that date, penalty charge notices (PCNs) will be issued to vehicles not displaying a valid permit or paid for parking time.

Cabinet member for environment Ayas Miah said: “A Controlled Parking Zone has been introduced in Fish Island to improve the ease of resident access, keep the roads safe and manage congestion. With an appropriate use of CPZs alongside measures like our new 20mph speed limit, Tower Hamlets is committed to making the borough a safer place for all road users.”