Lynne Featherstone

Highgate patients and carers stranded without adequate parking following the introduction of resident parking restrictions by Haringey Council in July 2007 will have to wait until new Pay and Display machines arrive from France for the chaos to be resolved.

The news has angered Lib Dem councillors, as the Highgate Group Practice, used by residents from a catchment area covering Highgate, Muswell Hill, Fortis Green and Crouch End, is not well served by public transport, with patients, carers and staff depending on parking in nearby parking bays. Lib Dems are outraged that residents will have to wait longer whilst parking meters come from abroad and have urged Haringey Council to stop the excuses and act now to provide the extra parking bays.

Cllr Martin Newton, Lib Dem Traffic Spokesperson, comments:

"For a lot of patients access by car is the only practical option. Once again Haringey Council has imposed parking restrictions without properly considering those who need to use local facilities. The Council needs to stop the excuses and provide these parking bays now."

Cllr Neil Williams (Highgate), adds:

"Clearly people using the practice need parking nearby as they are likely to be sick, vulnerable or elderly. People attend the practice when they are in need of treatment. The last thing they need is to arrive and then spend hours looking for a parking space."