Lambeth presses on with Streatham Vale CPZ despite local opposition and permit cost backlash

Lambeth Council has confirmed it will go ahead with new Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) in Streatham Vale, despite significant opposition during consultation and rising public anger at the cost of permits.

The new CPZs – Zone X to the east of the railway and Zone Y to the west – will be introduced between August and October 2025, operating Monday to Friday from 12pm to 2pm.

The Council says the short two-hour window is designed to deter commuter parking, reduce vehicle emissions and encourage more sustainable travel.

But the statutory consultation, which ran from 11 April to 25 May 2025, drew 205 responses, with only 13% in support.

The overwhelming majority raised objections, echoing many of the same concerns aired during the recent backlash to Lambeth’s controversial CPZ rollout in Brixton, where 67% of respondents opposed the plan.

The most common theme in the Streatham Vale consultation was the cost of permits, with 58% of respondents describing them as unaffordable or unfair.

Charges range from £135.96 to £682.63 per year, with an added £275 surcharge for diesel vehicles.

Over 40% of respondents said parking was not a problem in their area.

Nearly a third of respondents warned that the scheme would isolate elderly and disabled residents, making it harder for family, carers and healthcare professionals to visit during controlled hours.

Local businesses also pushed back, arguing that new restrictions would discourage customers and increase costs for tradespeople and delivery drivers.

Several comments focused on the limited visitor permits – capped at 50 per year per household – and the hourly pay-by-phone system as creating barriers for both guests and essential services.

In its official report, Lambeth defends the CPZ as a climate and health measure, not a financial one.

Officers point to data showing severe parking stress near Streatham and Streatham Common stations, along with displacement from neighbouring CPZs and new car-free housing developments.

The Council insists that the permit system is emissions-based to “encourage cleaner travel choices“, and says that all revenue will be ring-fenced for transport initiatives such as the Freedom Pass.

Despite strong objections, the council ruled out a public inquiry and approved the plans under officer delegation, citing no legal obligation to escalate the process.

The Streatham Vale plan follows similar community resistance seen in Brixton, where a CPZ covering Rush Common and Brixton Hill is set to be introduced in autumn despite two-thirds opposition in consultation.

In both cases, some residents have accused the Council of ignoring local voices and pushing through unpopular changes with little flexibility.

The Streatham Vale CPZ is expected to go live in late summer or early autumn 2025.

Streets affected will include parts of Natal Road, Buckleigh Road, Ellison Road and Churchmore Road. Electric vehicle charge points and cycle hangars will also be installed in selected locations.

The Council says it will monitor the rollout and adjust if needed.