The consultations for zones by Ravenscourt Park are being run by Hammersmith and Fulham Council until September 18
Parking consultations are rarely an easy ride. Whether it is increasing the hours at which the rules apply, introducing minimum stays or extending restrictions into weekends, any changes are likely to lead to both frustration and relief from locals reliant on their cars.
In West London, Hammersmith and Fulham Council is in the midst of two such consultations, both of which concern neighbouring zones by Ravenscourt Park. A third consultation has just ended.
Zone L, which covers a patch next to the park with Goldhawk Road to its north and King Street to its south, and Zone K, which continues east as far as Goldhawk Road station, are both subject to potential changes with consultations running until September 18.
Currently, parking controls operate between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday with no maximum stay restrictions.
Visitors and commuters can pay to park for up to eight hours Monday to Friday with free stays in the evenings and weekends.
In consultation pages published online, the council has said that residents in Zone L have asked for changes to the current restrictions due to increased pressure on spaces, with issues including displacement from another nearby zone and rental van and car hire companies taking up parking spots.
Similar problems have reportedly been raised by people living in Zone K, with increased traffic expected from the reopening of Olympia and the development of King Street also causing concern.
Locals are being asked to submit feedback indicating whether they want the parking controls kept as they are or extended to 8.30am until 10pm or 11pm, seven days a week, with a two hour maximum stay.
If the hours are extended residents will be able to get free parking for visitors after 5pm and all weekend, with the maximum stay not to apply to those booked in by locals and businesses using RingGo.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) understands the council’s existing borough-wide controlled parking zone programme has operated since 2024.
Over the last two years 10 out of 18 zones consulted have chosen to change their parking controls, with another six either in progress of being analysed.
The LDRS spoke to several residents or local business owners/employees who said they were concerned about the proposed changes.
Kayleigh, a manager at a nearby pub, said the associated hotel would likely be impacted more than the day-to-day business.
“I would just rather it didn’t happen,” she said. “Obviously you can appreciate it’s probably annoying because people park when they are going into the [Ravenscourt Park] Tube station.”
Kayleigh added the proposed introduction of weekend controls would also “make a big difference”.
Carol B, who lives within one of the zones, said she is also against it.
“I think it’s going to give an excuse to the council to increase the permit costs, and that’s wrong,” she said. “It’s enough as it is.”
She added that while it won’t make any difference to her, “I know people who say they have trouble not being able to park outside their front door.”
The fear that any changes would lead to increased costs was echoed by Marco Manfredini, a co-owner of Borghi’s Café.
“It could affect us because on the weekends more people they do come here,” he said. “But because everything is going to rise it’s going to affect everything.”
Not everyone was so concerned. Lucy Boyd, who was out walking her dog, said people with disabilities or children may struggle though added: “Generally it’s okay. I think at first I found it quite alarming, but when you get into it it’s okay.”
Jane, who did not wish to give her surname, was particularly forthright.
“There’s nothing wrong with it as it is,” she said. “Sometimes…you have to park in the next street, you can’t get outside your house, but honestly, we live in a city.”
A Hammersmith and Fulham Council spokesperson said: “We’re working with residents and businesses to make sure parking works for them and their visitors. As part of our consultation, we let local people choose the parking hours that work for their own area.
“It means we can reflect what residents actually need, while supporting local businesses. It’s all part of our work to make Hammersmith and Fulham the best place to live, work and socialise.”
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