A PLAN to run a 12-hour-a-day controlled parking zone in Hornchurch Town Centre was rejected by members of the council’s Highways Advisory Committee.

Deputy Leader Steven Kelly has played down fears that the Cabinet could still decide to bring in the new restrictions after they were voted against by the committee on September 21 at Havering Town Hall.

He said: “The majority were against it, but sometimes there are other justifying circumstances. In this case it was a very simple story.

“There’s lots of adequate parking spaces in Hornchurch.”

Committee member, Independent Local Residents’ Group councillor David Durant said: “I thought it was draconian to increase restrictions from 8am to 8pm when many of the problems identified can be dealt with by double yellow lines.”

He said he thought that the council should instead look at the tariffs charged in Hornchurch car parks to encourage more people to use them.

Residents were also against the proposal, which suggested a controlled parking zone between 8am and 8pm Monday to Saturday in streets bordered by Abbs Cross Lane, the High Street, Mavis Grove, Mill Park Avenue, Ravenscroft Grove, Station Lane and Devonshire Road, at a cost of �10,000.

Only 46 per cent of residents who responded to consulation last year thought there was a problem with parking in the area, and only 20 per cent of residents commented.

Restrictions in the area will now continued to be limited to double yellow lines and dropped kerbs.