Request ID: FOI-3326-2223 Date published: 05 April 2023
You asked
I have been trying to get an answer about a parking issue in RBKC and can not get a response from the RBKC Parking Department, our local Councillors, or our MP. I have been referred to this TFL email address by RBKC
I live at xxx Warwick Rd, and the entrance to our property is through an alley off the North side of West Cromwell Road at the back of the building, as visible in the attached picture.
In front of the entrance to the alley, on the West Cromwell Road pavement is a wider area of pavement enclosed by 11 RBKC bollards, and with a wide ramp onto the pavement. This area is used by the waste management lorries, utility companies, builders and scaffolders to collect refuse, and carry out works on the buildings.
I have contacted RBKC parking services, our local Councillor (Cllr. Cyron), and our MP, to see if anyone can find out if I could use the area as a loading area to deliver furniture and other heavy household items, and to collect building waste to take to the Wandsworth recycling facility, but nobody has been able to help or give a decision.
Any reasonable person would assume because of the enclosed bollarded area and the ramp that it is a loading area, but nobody is able to say for sure, so I would like to find out:
1. Is the pavement area with a ramp to the road enclosed by RBKC bollards a loading area or not, and can I use it to deliver large household goods and pick up large household waste (doors etc.)
2. If not you, who is it who decides?
3. If it is not a loading area, why have RBKC installed bollards to enclose the area, and why is it used for refuse collection and utilities?
4. Is the pavement area enclosed by RBKC bollards controlled by RBKC or by TFL?
5. Why is there no signage to clarify the situation?
6. Is there a historic agreement for use of the enclosed area by the waste management companies, utilities and builders, or is their use of the area ignored?
7. I would like to get my furniture into my home, and take the old doors to the recycling plant, but am unable to proceed until the situation is clarified.
Thank you in advance for your help.
We answered
TfL Ref: FOI-3326-2223
Thank you for your request received by Transport for London (TfL) on 9th March 2023 asking for information about a parking issue outside your home on Warwick Road / West Cromwell Road.
Your request has been considered in accordance with the requirements of the Freedom of Information Act and our information access policy.
I can confirm that we hold the information you require. Your questions are answered in turn below: Question 1) Is the pavement area with a ramp to the road enclosed by RBKC bollards a loading area or not, and can I use it to deliver large household goods and pick up large household waste (doors etc.) Answer: This is not an official loading area hence the reason why there are no bay demarcations or signage. It is a historical arrangement to facilitate refuse collection by the council. Bollards are in situ to contain vehicles accessing the crossover and allow for refuse collection vehicles to turn around so they do not have to reverse on to West Cromwell Road. I am informed that you can utilise the space at your own risk but if parked for long periods this could potentially result in a Penalty Charge Notice for parking on the footway. Question 2) If not you, who is it who decides? Answer: This is determined by Transport for London. Note that you can apply for a red route parking dispensation through this link : https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/red-routes/dispensations Question 3) If it is not a loading area, why have RBKC installed bollards to enclose the area, and why is it used for refuse collection and utilities? Answer: See answer to Question 1 above. Utilities apply for parking space on the footway within their permits. Refuse collection is permitted as it is safer than pulling up on the double red lines and obstructing the carriageway. Question 4) Is the pavement area enclosed by RBKC bollards controlled by RBKC or by TFL? Answer: The bollards and footway are both owned by Transport for London. Question 5) Why is there no signage to clarify the situation? Answer: No signage is required as it is not a loading bay. Question 6) Is there a historic agreement for use of the enclosed area by the waste management companies, utilities and builders, or is their use of the area ignored? Answer: There is a historical arrangement with RBKC to allow refuse collection. Utilities can be granted permissions under permits and building companies under Highway Licences.
If this is not the information you are looking for please do not hesitate to contact me.
Please see the attached information sheet for details of your right to appeal as well as information on copyright and what to do if you would like to re-use any of the information we have disclosed.
Yours sincerely,
David Wells FOI Case Officer FOI Case Management Team General Counsel Transport for London
