FURIOUS homeowners have accused their council of using them as ‘cash cows’ after they were fined for parking on their own driveways.
Lambeth council’s “Kerbside strategy” has marked nearly 200 homes in Stretham Vale with “illegal crossovers” – where vehicles are accessing properties without approved dropped kerbs.
Furious homeowners have accused their council of using them as ‘cash cows’ after they were fined for parking on their own driveways[/caption]
The south London council is demanding that residents pay up to £4,000 to make their driveways official by changing the kerbs.
The reason behind the eye-wateringly expensive scheme is to “support resilience to the climate emergency” and “free unrestricted parking has an impact on our climate”, according to the authority.
Lambeth council said that the four per cent of cars parking “off street” with “unauthorised vehicle access” could clash with plans for bike parking, curbside seating and flower boxes.
According to The Telegraph, a council pamphlet told homeowners: “If these accesses are not formalised in accordance with the council’s policy, then parking bays may be placed in front of them, blocking access.”
Neil Salt, an MP for Streatham and Croydon North Conservatives, pointed out that many of the crossovers had been used for years and gone unnoticed by the council.
He told the publication: “It raises the question as to why they are seeking to levy this huge cost now. It couldn’t possibly have anything to do with the fact the council currently needs to save over £69 million over the next four years, could it?”
He urged the council to drop the £4,000 charge to drop kerbs to £3,000 – the same cost as neighbouring councils.
Mr Salt also branded Lambeth’s £261.27 charge for painting a new white line as “excessive” and pointed out that Merton council charges £80.
“Yet again, Lambeth is using car owners as cash cows for assisting with its financial predicament.”
In 2023 and 2024, Lambeth raised £53.7 million in “parking service income streams”.
Plans for a “car free” tower block of 237 homes have been put in place, and the council stated that tougher parking restrictions would need to be enforced.
In the pamphlet it also said: “The car free status can only have effect if parking controls are in place.”
Ashad Khan, 48, has lived in his home in Streatham Vale for 20 years and he parks his electric and hybrid vehicle next to a charger.
“We will now have to pay to park in front of our house or consider paying thousands of pounds for a legal crossover.
“We paid a premium for these vehicles because they are environmentally friendly, now the council is penalising us,” he told the publication.
Local Helen Smith also expressed her concerns about the economical impact it may have on locals.
She said: “The cost of permits in other parts of the borough has risen sharply making it clear this is a huge cash cow for Lambeth.”
Smith warned it will “set a precedent for our area if, or more likely when, it’s introduced”.
A council spokesperson said: “It is illegal to drive a vehicle over the pavement without having an authorised vehicle crossover.
“This requires a resident to make an application, gain approval and pay for the works to adapt the highway to enable safe access.”
The Sun has approached the council for further comment.
Rules around where drivers can and cannot park
RULE 243 of the Highway Code explains where drivers can and cannot park.
It is actually not “your right” to park in front of your property unless you have a designated parking space and although it might be tempting you’re not allowed to save “your” space with a cone either.
Leaving anything on the road can be classed as an obstruction and is illegal – unless you’ve been given permission by the council.
Any member of the public can park on your street, provided it isn’t governed by residents’ parking permits and as long as they are complying with restrictions and not causing obstructions.
If your street uses permits, anyone with the right permit can park anywhere in the relevant zone.
There’s also no law on how long someone can park in the same space for, unless police think the car has been abandoned.
Aerial view of Streatham[/caption]
