As MP for Northampton North I have frequently heard from residents of the Abington ward about the difficulties of parking in the area, with some residents saying they struggled to find a parking space. So with this public interest in mind I worked with the Highways Department at Northamptonshire County Council and it was agreed that if I organised this large scale survey myself and the result was in favour then the Council would undertake their own formal assessment of residents about activating a Permit Parking Scheme in some selected streets in Abington.
Last month I therefore sent out an Abington Parking Survey form to 3,576 households in Abington, enclosed with an information sheet from Highways, and a cover letter from myself. The ballot paper gave a YES or NO choice to a Parking Permit Scheme in some parts of Abington.
There was significant public interest in this survey and the response rate was 30.37%, which is higher than all the other surveys I have conducted over the years in Northampton North.
1,086 surveys were completed and sent back to me within the six weeks given for replies, between the 5th December 2016 and the 15th January 2017, and I would like to thank all those who participated.
We have been opening and counting the results in the last few days and I can now announce the result:
YES – 388 (35.73%)
NO – 680 (62.62%)
Spoilt – 18 (1.66%)
Turnout: 30.37%
Although there were a significant number of residents who were in favour of a parking permit scheme, the substantial majority were Against introducing such a scheme in Abington.
I have passed these results on to the Highways Department at Northamptonshire County Council.
I was personally neutral on this issue- but I wanted to canvass the views of my constituents about this issue to meet public demand. After seeing the result, I am satisfied that the people of Abington have a clear preference for NOT having an Abington Parking Permit Scheme and thus I will not be pursuing a Parking Permit Scheme in Abington further.