Proposed Sunday parking charges in Westminster

[familyfirst]

Am I being unreasonable to feel that proposed charges for parking on Sundays in certain areas of the West End is not family friendly? How many people take advantage of going into central London with their families on Sundays as they can park for free? How many would struggle with young children, pushchairs and buggies, bikes, etc., if they have to go on public transport? How many would stop going altogether as it would be very expensive? Westminster City Council are making their final decision on this on 1st August having given very little notice about their intentions - or giving sufficient time for a robust defence. I, for one, am deeply concerned about these proposed plans as I go into London with my family 3 times a week, including Sundays. And ... by the way ... plans include paying for parking every evening too! :(

[squeakytoy]

I didnt even realise it was free already. I never even contemplate bothering to drive into London, public transport is very easy to use, and family friendly too, we have always found. And better for the environment too.

[Scholes34]

Would normally park a little further out (free) and get the tube in, but DCs aren't so small, so no problem with public transport. Where do you park in Westminster for free at the moment, and is it the same in K&C?

Rather think they see this as an opportunity to make a lot of money.

[Milliways]

I read a good letter in the Times that this will affect a lot of people who drive to church in London - not being able to park will affect a lot of people - especially the elderly or those who give them lifts.

[eurochick]

Most of my friends with kids manage just fine travelling by public transport.

[marriedinwhite]

Totally outrageous. But I thought that when K&C introduced residents' parking . My DC are nearly grown up but there is no way I would have managed on the tube with a buggy when they were tiny - in fact I never did it and only today looked at a couple of mums and thought how on earth are you brave enough to tackle the escalator with a baby a toddler and a buggy - they weren't alone though - had their elderly mothers. FWIW and I expect a flaming for this but my DH is opening a London office next week and has bought himself an electric car to avoid the congestion charge because according to him the tube is unacceptable and exhausting at 50 if he needs to do a full days work . I'm not exactly pleased because for the first time in my life I have a brand new car which will now have to be parked on the street because his will be charging on the drive!!

[elportodelgato]

I have 2 kids in London - 3 years and 6 months respectively - we don't own a car and I have always taken them everywhere by tube and bus. I don't see the problem with this really. Even with a buggy on the tube people always stop to help with the stairs and it's not impossible to get a buggy onto an escalator, even with a baby in a sling as well. Sorry but I think you just need to get real, get over it and use the excellent public transport. My toddler finds the whole thing a big adventure, way more exciting than being strapped into a car seat and sitting in traffic