Green Assembly Member Darren Johnson rebukes a Government Minister’s call to scrap controls on the number of car parking spaces in London’s new developments, stating more cars in London will result in business suffering and a further decline in Londoner’s health.
Darren Johnson pictured above campaigning to lower speed limits in London to 20mph. Photograph courtesy of Jim Jepps (Islington Gazette).
Green London Assembly Member Darren Johnson has reminded Boris Johnson of the health risks of encouraging car use, after the Mayor was asked by a Government Minister to scrap controls on the number of car parking spaces in London’s new developments.
A letter from planning Minister, Nick Boles, has called for the current restrictions on parking in the Mayor’s London Plan to be lifted. Transport for London have responded by saying they want to keep the maximum standards as they are.
Darren commented, “More cars in London will inevitably mean more traffic jams and more air pollution. Up until recently, London has been amazingly successful at reducing car traffic at a time when the population has been rising rapidly. Controls on car parking, such as car free developments, have played a crucial role in keeping the streets moving and it would be foolish to remove them.
“It would be bad for London if the Mayor did what the Government says and encourages more cars in London. You can fit another 100,000 people a year into London, but you can’t fit another 100,000 cars. Business will suffer if we have more cars and Londoner’s health will take a hit as well. ”