A car club scheme created in Richmond three years ago is showing signs of failing, according to residents. In the time since the scheme was launched eight of the parking bays allocated to the scheme have been removed, with a further sixteen set to face the axe.
Richmond Council was keen to point out that they still back the scheme as it provides an excellent way for residents to travel without having to own their own car, and counciller Chris Harrison commented "I can appreciate people’s frustrations
about losing a parking space near their homes, but the
clubs are a very good way to reduce congestion and mean there are
fewer cars parking overall, especially in residential streets.
The scheme was a booming success in 2009 and many previous critics were converted and hailed the environmentally friendly scheme as exciting and innovative, however many months later and the scheme is not as popular as it once was.
Local resident Mick Ryan commented "The buses are pretty reliable so maybe that’s why people don’t drive as much." and Ryan O'Reilly explained "
I don’t
think I’ve seen a car in that allocated space for more than six months
and it takes up space where people could park. It’s not benefiting the area and, because we’re further out of town, most people drive their own cars anyway."
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