West Sussex County Council is consulting on whether there is local support for a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) in the central part of Burgess Hill (but even if you aren’t in the proposed area, you can have your say about whether your road should be included) – this is an area where on-street parking would be restricted during specified times. Introducing a CPZ is a way of dealing with parking problems and making roads safer but has some disadvantages as well.

 A CPZ can:

• Prevent all-day commuter parking
• Provide priority parking space for residents and their visitors, short term visitors and businesses

• Improve access for vehicles especially emergency service and refuse vehicles
• Improve highway safety and reduces inconsiderate and indiscriminate parking

Disadvantages are possibly:

• Displacement effect to nearby uncontrolled roads
• Having to pay for a parking permit – to cover the cost of the scheme
• Street clutter (signs and lines)
• Can reduce on-street parking space
• Does not guarantee a parking space to permit holders

A leaflet is being sent to residents in the proposed area which is based on where the highest levels of support were received when a similar survey was conducted in 2007.  Nothing is fixed in stone and if there was support outside the area such as around Wivelsfield Station the area could be extended or it could be reduced in size – if it goes ahead at all depending on public reaction. 

A survey of parking in Wivelsfield is being conducted to assess if it could be extended there but it also depends on the response to the proposals so return your form or get in touch even if you are outside the proposed area but have an opinion.

The annual charge is typically £40 for the first permit and £80 for the second, with the aim of purely covering on-going costs relating to enforcement, administration and sign/line maintenance. 

The closing date for the County Council to receive comments has been extended to October 29 using the reply paid enveloped delivered to your door or if you live outside the area and have an opinion contact [email protected].  If there is support for a CPZ in Burgess Hill a more detailed public consultation and exhibition will be held next year.  If the CPZ goes ahead it would be introduced in 2012.