A petition calling for a public debate on a proposed controlled parking zone (CPZ) has seen over almost 1,900 residents vote against the controversial scheme.

Businesses in Highams Park joined forces last month to form The Ratepayers Action Group in an attempt to get Waltham Forest council to extend the August 10 consultation deadline and hold a public meeting.

They claim many flats within the blanket zone, which covers 34 streets, have not received the consultation document and slam the timing is "poor" with many residents away on holiday.

After two weeks of canvassing around Highams Park, the Group submitted the petition to the town hall in Forest Road, Walthamstow, yesterday (August 10).

Teresa Anderson of French polishing business 'Memory Lane' in Studley Avenue, spearheaded the action group.

She said: "Every person that signed the petition was in favour of a public debate.

"1,893 people voted no to the CPZ, 8 said yes and 3 people were unsure.

"The current consultation is undemocratic and represents nothing more than a stealth tax.

"How are people supposed to make informed decisions when their options are limited and they know very little of how it will operate?

"This is not about politics- it is about our village breathing again.

"We are a force for the people of Highams Park and we will not be silenced."

Ms Anderson claims around "30 per cent" of respondents found out about the scheme through 'No to CPZ' shop posters plastered on business shopfronts.

Deputy leader cllr Clyde Loakes told the Guardian a CPZ proposal was launched for a fifth time since 2001 in response to complaints of non-residential parking causing inconvenience to residents and businesses.

Businesses have refuted this, and argue that if they are forced to pay the permits starting at £390, the local economy will suffer and many will shut up shop.

One of the roads affected by commuter parking is Coolgardie Avenue, where resident Ian Pavelin described it as a free parking destination for holiday-goers.

Retired technician, Malcolm Shykles of Coolgardie Avenue, launched the 'Yes to Highams Park CPZ' on Facebook to "rubbish arguments by the Luddite 'no' group".

"A CPZ in our road is the only solution to get rid of commuters," he said.

"It is not a money-making scheme as any revenue generated has to go back into the running of the scheme.

"It will improve our air quality by reducing the number of vehicles searching for spaces and will encourage people to use healthier modes of transport.

"Contractors carrying out building work, doctors and the emergency services will also find it easier to park."

In an email sent from cllr Loakes to local councillors this afernoon, he said the 39 per cent response rate showed that the four-week response period was "sufficient" and that there are "no plans to hold any public meetings".  

The council told the Guardian that the consultation deadline had been extended August 14 but have now apologised and said it was August 10.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:  

Members of the Ratepayers' Action Group outside Dendales Construction in Hale End Road on August 4