

Garden Town transport and car parking tariffs featured in the latest meeting of Epping Forest District Council’s Cabinet on 7 March 2019.
Garden Town transport strategy
Councillors approved proposals to consult local residents on the transport strategy for Harlow and Gilston Garden Town.
Epping Forest District Council is working with Harlow, East Herts, Essex and Hertfordshire to deliver sustainable new homes around Harlow. Sustainable green transport policies are central to the aspirations of all partners. The strategy sets out to achieve 60% of all journeys within the new Garden Town by walking, cycling and public transport.
The strategy lists a hierarchy of mobility based on:
- Reducing the need to travel
- Walking and cycling
- Public transport
- Private vehicles
It also aims to support and encourage a culture of active and sustainable travel with all journeys being safe and efficient.
The strategy has already gone through several revisions and refinements. The consultation be published for a 6-week period following the local elections in May.
Ongar parking petition
Councillors considered a petition to reconsider the implementation of an hour’s free parking followed by £1 a day parking charge on Sundays for the council’s pay and display car parks in Ongar. Councillor Sam Kane presented the report to cabinet. He acknowledged the small amount of money collected from the £1 charge but argued for the consistency and standardisation of parking charges across the district.
Councillor Kane confirmed the £1 all day charge (after the first free hour) would be reviewed after a year of operation.