CONTROLLED parking zones (CPZ) are to be extended after complaints about congestion being caused by commuters avoiding existing restrictions nearby.

CPZs were introduced in Addison, Chaucer, Dangan and Spratt Hall Roads in April after residents pleaded with councillors to solve the problem of Tube users parking outside their homes.

Now councillors have agreed to schemes in Wanstead Place, Voluntary Place, Church Path, Fitzgerald Road and Greenstone Mews.

Speaking at an Area One meeting at Wanstead Church School on Monday, Cllr Sue Nolan said: "If we introduce the scheme in one area, we will get displacement in another, so we need to let these roads have permits."

But a proposal to introduce triple-use bays in Spratt Hall Road, which could be used by visitors, residents and businesses was rejected.

The majority of residents voted against the plan during a recent consultation.

Personal trainer Michel Glendinning said she has repeatedly struggle to park her car. which is essential for her work, near her High Street home since the restrictions were introduced.

She suggested more use could be made of permit bays in Spratt Hall Road, which are often empty during the day.

Miss Glendinning said: "As Wanstead residents we can't buy these permits unless we are living in these roads. We can't park outside our building because of double yellow lines.

"We used to park on Spratt Hall Road by the green, but since the permits have been put in place we can't park during the day time and have to drive around for ages to find a space.

"If we were able to buy four permits in total it would be helpful, but we understand if an exception was made for us then exceptions would have to be made for others."

But council highways officer, Nigel Burch, warned this would set a precedent which could cause further problems.

However, councillors agreed to look into the suggestion.

They also agreed to test free 20-minute parking in Addison Road to help parents dropping off their children at St Joseph's Convent School.

Cllr Michelle Dunn said: "This is what we have done and lets stick by our decisions and review the scheme later."

Cllr Alex Wilson added: "Residents in Wanstead have been consulted more on parking than any other ward in Redbridge."

The cost of implementing the new permit schemes will be £7,500.