A HIGHLY-CONTENTIOUS parking scheme could be rolled out in May – three months after it was originally due.

Wanstead’s new parking scheme heavily dominated the agenda at Redbridge’s full council meeting at the Town Hall last night (Thursday, January 19), with public questions, a petition debate, and a deputation all focused on the issue.

Cabinet member for environment and sustainability Cllr John Howard reiterated there will be a "full, detailed, and thorough consultation" on the council’s proposals to introduce pay and display parking in Wanstead High Street and permits in residential roads.

He revealed council officers are currently working on a May or June start date for the scheme, after the original February deadline was scrapped.

Mr Dowers, of Wanstead, asked if the council would consider a phased approach in rolling out the scheme to tackle any parking displacement that might occur.

Cllr Howard said: “We are considering all options, but that seems like something we should definitely consider.”

Long-standing Wanstead resident Donna Mizzi presented her petition on the scheme, which has gathered a total of 3,854 signatures.

She said: “I set up Art Trail Wanstead seven years ago to build the high street back up after the recession, so I am well acquainted with the hardships they face in trying to survive.

“There are four fairs that take place in Wanstead every Saturday and a fringe festival every summer.

“They simply cannot survive without free parking bays for traders.

“That is why we desperately need informed local knowledge and public engagement on this scheme.”

She also said she “has not come across a single person” who agrees with using the RingGo cashless parking system because it discriminates against elderly people who do not have smart phones.

Council leader Cllr Athwal said: “I promise we will not leave people who do not use smart phones behind.

“But we must also consider it doesn’t make economic sense to pay someone to collect parking money.”

Cllr Howard added he would report concerns about Saturday parking, RingGo, and phased implementation back to officers, but proposals will stay "largely the same with some minor amendments".

Details on the "gold-standard" Wanstead parking scheme consultation will be sent out to residents soon.