Ealing Council is pressing ahead with plans to replace remaining free “Stop & Shop” parking bays with a new “Stop & Shop+” scheme, despite a statutory consultation showing overwhelming opposition.
The scheme will introduce 30 minutes of free parking instead of the previous 60 minutes followed by paid options for longer stays.
Between 23 April and 14 May 2025, Labour-run Ealing Council ran a statutory consultation on the proposals, which also include ancillary cashless and shared-use bays. After removing duplicates, 791 unique responses were received – just 0.26% of Ealing’s adult population – with 66% coming from within the borough. Of these, 82% opposed the proposals, 12% supported them, and 6% were neutral or requested more information.
According to the consultation report, 73% (573 people) said the proposals would “negatively impact local businesses in the area”. The council said: “Requiring registration for the free period enables enforcement and improves bay turnover, ensuring more customers can access shops throughout the day.”
Thirty-five per cent (273 people) argued the proposals were not considerate of disabled, elderly or vulnerable motorists. In response, the council cited “non-digital options and exempted Blue Badge holders to ensure the scheme remains accessible to all users.”
A further 31% (244 people) raised concerns over excluding those without digital access, to which the council pointed to “three registration methods—app, phone, and PayPoint—to ensure full accessibility regardless of digital access.” Another 31% (242 people) said the current system works well and should not be changed, while 23% (183 people) said there was a “lack of meaningful consultation”.
Report author Tom Gallagher, head of parking (interim), said: “The top concerns were potential impacts on local businesses (73% of responses), and the perceived exclusion of digitally disadvantaged users (31%). A kerbside activity study at 19 locations revealed significant misuse of the existing free bays, with non-compliance rates reaching 65% in some locations.”
The council report also noted: “The concentrated response patterns from W5 postcodes (particularly Pitshanger Lane) suggest organized local campaigns rather than borough-wide opposition.” Geographic analysis found that W5 postcodes generated 42% of all Ealing responses, with Pitshanger Lane (W5 1QX/1QY) alone producing 30 responses. Areas with established shopping parades generated three to four times more responses than residential zones.
Mr Gallagher said in the report: “Having examined the consultation feedback, the traffic data and relevant policy objectives, I am satisfied that the S&S+ scheme (as already designed) remains the most proportionate, enforceable and strategically aligned solution. I therefore recommend that we proceed to implementation without material alteration.”
The council argues the new system will standardise parking rules across the borough, replacing a patchwork of varying time limits that officials say cause confusion and misuse. “Stop & Shop+” is intended to improve parking turnover and make spaces more available for genuine short-stay use.
The rollout will take place from now until October 2025, with bays converted town by town. New signage will be installed before enforcement begins. Drivers will need to register their free 30 minutes via the PayByPhone app, a phone call, text, or at a PayPoint store. Blue Badge holders remain exempt.
Speaking to EALING.NEWS, an Ealing Conservatives spokesperson said of the plans: “This is yet another example of just how out of touch the Labour-run Ealing Council has become. They’ve chosen to ignore 82% of residents who opposed scrapping the current Stop & Shop arrangements, as well as nearly 1,000 people who signed our petition.”
They added: “Local businesses are already reeling from Labour’s National Insurance hike and now the Council wants to drive customers away from our high streets. Labour doesn’t understand, and frankly doesn’t care, about supporting our local economy. After 15 years of Labour complacency, arrogance, and ignoring residents’ voices, people are tired. Next year, the people of Ealing will have their say at the ballot box.”
Ealing Liberal Democrats Councillor Athena Zissimos, raised her concerns over the new parking plans. She told EALING.NEWS: “This is another example of Ealing Labour viewing statutory consultations as part of a rubberstamping exercise rather than an important part of engagement and democracy often resulting in the exclusion of the more vulnerable members of our society. In addition, Ealing Labour are adding to the burden of small businesses and residents alike at a time there is an unprecedented cost of living crisis.”
Cllr Paul Driscoll, cabinet member for climate action, said: “Stop and shop+ not only gives residents and visitors more flexible parking options, but it also helps local businesses by making sure spaces are available for genuine shoppers. We know most people follow the rules, but a few staying too long can make it harder for others to park. We’re also encouraging people to walk or cycle for short trips where they can, freeing up spaces for those who really need them.”
Following the council’s announcement on Facebook, residents expressed frustration that their objections were being ignored. One wrote: “Another money grabbing scheme that ignores the shops and customers.” Another said: “Support local businesses by changing something to make it far worse than it was?”
Each area will have a two-week grace period after the new signs appear, during which no fines will be issued.
