COUNCIL leaders have decided to consult on a controversial parking scheme after campaigners’ pleas changed their minds.

There has been uproar in Wanstead since November when Redbridge Council revealed plans to introduce pay and display parking in the high street and parking permits in residential roads.

The original proposals were due to be rolled out under an experimental traffic order, which would not have required any consultation with residents or businesses.

But after a fierce campaign by residents who have spoken repeatedly at meetings, in emails to councillors, and at a packed-out public meeting on the issue, the council has made a U-turn.

Speaking exclusively to the Guardian, Redbridge Council leader Cllr Jas Athwal said: “We have reflected on what people have said about the scheme at council meetings and in emails.

“Just sitting there last Tuesday (January 10) and listening to residents speak so eloquently on this I thought to myself ‘we really have to consult here.’

“What they want is to be treated fairly, because this is something that will really affect their lives.

“What they want is to be consulted, and we agree with that.”

Cabinet member for environment and sustainability Cllr John Howard said the consultation is still being finalised, but promised it would be “gold-standard”.

He said: “We want really good, detailed feedback on the scheme.

“We are going to write to everyone directly affected with questionnaires based on the proposals we have drawn up.

“There will also be an online form for those who would rather do things that way.

"And there will be consultation sessions with more maps and more officers.

“I will also be engaging with small groups of residents and businesses, because we want everyone to be involved in this process.

“We want a scheme that works for Wanstead.”

Despite previous comments that all roads south of Redbridge Lane West would no longer be included in the scheme, both councillors confirmed they will still part form part of the consultation.

They also said any prior commitments to implement the scheme in February or March no longer apply and the new start date will depend on the outcome of the feedback.

When asked about the continued use of an experimental order to roll out the scheme, Cllr Athwal said the decision has not yet been made.

He said: “I think the experimental order has been taken out of context.

“Officers suggested it to give that flexibility to change the scheme when we needed.

“We are still in active discussions about the use of it, but we know we need to be clear on that very, very quickly.”

When the Labour boss made an unexpected appearance at the Conservative councillors’ public meeting at Wanstead Scout Hut last Friday (January 13), he promised to “look at the nuances for each street”.

He said: “The questionnaires will be designed so there is a box where people can put whatever feedback they want.

“For example the gentleman [Geoff Wilkinson, of Eightyfour photography gallery] who made a point about the secondary business parade in Nightingale Lane will be able to express his views about getting the same treatment as the high street.”

He added: “When this happened five years ago the council made sure any decision was evidence-based.

“We have evidence that shows if we don’t do something about Wanstead parking now we will be acting too late.

“This scheme is the same one that exists in eight other Redbridge wards.

“But residents have made it quite clear they want to be consulted, so that’s what we’re doing.”