The organisation behind parking regulation in the district has come under fire from residents who say that a recent consultation of their road was weak and undemocratic.

People living in Queens Road, Loughton, received questionnaires from the North Essex Parking Partnership this month, asking them how they would like their road to be regulated, despite the fact that many of them would rather it was left alone.

Dr Donald Pohl, 73, has criticized the NEPP for the consultative process which he says is confusing and not comprehensive enough.

He said: “There is considerable confusion amongst residents of Queens Road about the questionnaire.

“It is not clear whether it is merely a consultative document or the results constitute a final and decisive vote which will enable the NEPP to take action.

“We were not required to give our names or addresses. How will the organisers be able to establish whether respondees have the right to vote?

“Since there are no registration numbers on the forms how can they ensure that photocopies are not made enabling respondees to make multiple votes.

“I have not spoken to a single neighbour in support of a permit system, people have made space in their front gardens for parking.

“They seem to be building an empire.”

When questioned by the Guardian, the NEPP said that a consultation was being carried out for the whole of the York Hill area which was prompted by complaints from Loughton Residents’ Association.

A spokeswoman said: “All York Hill residents have been written to, seeking views that will help gauge if there is wider support for potentially introducing parking restrictions.

“A site visit has also taken place including meeting with around 20 local people, made up of residents’ association and Epping Forest District Council representatives along with businesses.

“Around ten complaints from York Hill residents and further requests from councillors have also been received.

“Once reviewed, the responses to this initial opinion gathering questionnaire will be provided to the District Council. The responses, and strength of support shown, will be considered by the NEPP along with factors including safety, traffic flow and vehicle displacement to help inform whether a potential scheme is drafted and the detail of it, such as where and when restrictions could apply.

“Where there is sufficient support, alongside satisfaction of technical criteria to justify the subsequent investment required to potentially implement, schemes that could be taken forward then undergo a legal process including advertising and further consultation.

“This gives all local people an opportunity to see the details of what is proposed and either show their support or raise objections.”