Controlled Parking Zone Survey Update

About the project

Last August, the Englefield Green's Neighbourhood Forum (NF) ran a survey in Englefield Green which asked permanent residents their thoughts on the implementation of a CPZ on certain streets in the area. This was done at a time when most students were away from campus.

After the canvassing exercise, we were informed by Surrey County Council that they would be proposing a controlled parking zone in Englefield Green on these streets:

• Alexandra Road
• Albert Road
• Armstrong Road
• Harvest Road
• South Road

We knew we had to collect student insight to challenge this proposal and advocate for your student experience while studying at Royal Holloway. We launched the CPZ Survey in March to give students a seat at the table in this discussion.

The results

We had 801 students respond across all year groups and residence types and location about how they felt about a controlled parking zone and how this would affect their student experience. 89% of respondents were undergraduates, 6% were postgraduates and 5% were foundation students.

We learned there are high levels of car ownership and dependence within the student population who live in private housing, especially among second- and third-year undergraduates as well as postgraduate students. 42% of survey respondents answered they currently have a car at Royal Holloway while 63% of respondents said they were planning to bring one next year.

The top reasons students bring a car to Royal Holloway are:

• to travel home
• local access around the area  
• to travel to work shifts
• inadequate and expensive public transport in the area
• accessibility, safety and personal responsibilities.

Of the 801 student respondents, an overwhelming 97% expressed opposition to the CPZ. There is very low support for the CPZ across all proposed streets among both current students living within the zone and those intending to reside there next year.

Student respondents raised several key concerns with the CPZ:

• financial impact and cost of living
• the CPZ targets and exploits student renters in the local area
• students feel like they are being penalised
• a negative impact on commuter students
• a negative impact on traveling around the local area, home and work
• a negative impact on students’ mental wellbeing and academic success

A recurring theme among respondents was a request for the Council to be transparent about how revenue generated from the CPZ would be reinvested, particularly with a preference for improvements to local public transport or other measures that could offset the negative impacts of the scheme.

Instead of a CPZ, survey respondents emphasised the need for better campus parking, improved public transport and rethinking the fairness and execution of the CPZ proposal.

Next steps

I have shared the results of the survey with Cllr Andrea Beradi and the Royal Holloway Runnymede Consultative Parking sub-group. In this meeting we ensured that Students concerned will be taken into consideration. Surrey County Council will try to find a solution that works for all residents, including students and will be going out for formal consultation again in the Autumn when students return to study.

We’ll be sure to let you know when the formal consultation begins so you can ensure your voice is heard on any future parking permit proposals.