Burnt Oak Station car park closed until winter 2027/28
Barnet Council shut Watling Avenue site for TfL step-free access works, with community group raising business and disabled access concerns.
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The car park at Burnt Oak Station, located on Watling Avenue, is now closed to enable Transport for London (TfL) to undertake essential works. Barnet Council stated that the station upgrade, which includes the provision of step-free access, is scheduled to continue until winter 2027/28. The council has indicated that the future reopening of the car park is uncertain, citing ongoing development proposals affecting the site.
Community Concerns Raised
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Edgware Community Association has expressed concerns regarding the closure's impact on local businesses and disabled motorists. Tony Allan, co-chair of the association, stated that while step-free access is welcomed, the loss of nearly 200 parking spaces for an extended period represents a significant change for the town centre. The association is seeking clarity on the assessment of the effects on businesses and residents, any mitigation measures being provided, and the potential for partial reopening during the works.
A spokesperson for Barnet Council acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the temporary closure. They explained that the decision was made due to safety advice, which deemed it unsafe to mix construction traffic and heavy machinery with general vehicles and pedestrians during the major engineering project. Ward councillors and council officers explored keeping parts of the car park open but concluded it was not possible for safety reasons.
Mitigation and Alternatives
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Regarding mitigation for disabled drivers, Barnet Council is consulting on the provision of two additional Blue Badge parking spaces on Watling Avenue, near Barnfield Road. The council also reminded Blue Badge holders of their existing parking privileges, including free parking in paid bays and residential bays without time limits, and up to three hours on single yellow lines where permitted.
For users of electric vehicles (EVs), the council has not identified suitable alternative charging locations in the immediate vicinity. However, Barnet Council noted its wider borough-wide initiative, which has seen the installation of over 2,000 EV charge points. EV users can find the nearest available charging point using the Zapmap service.
The council stated that while Burnt Oak is primarily accessed on foot, car park usage patterns indicate it is well utilised by station users. TfL has been informed to ensure station customers are aware of the closure and alternative parking options at nearby stations. Barnet Council will also increase patrols by Civil Enforcement Officers to address potential illegal parking on surrounding roads.
Questions this report answers
+Why has the Watling Avenue car park at Burnt Oak Station closed?
Barnet Council closed the car park to allow Transport for London (TfL) to carry out works to provide step-free access at Burnt Oak Station. The council stated that mixing construction traffic with general vehicles and pedestrians would not be safe during the major engineering project.
+When will the Watling Avenue car park reopen?
Transport for London's works are expected to continue until winter 2027/28. Barnet Council has stated that it cannot be precise about whether or when the car park will reopen, particularly as there are development proposals affecting the site.
+What concerns have been raised about the car park closure?
The Edgware Community Association has raised concerns about the impact of losing nearly 200 parking spaces on local businesses and disabled motorists. They are seeking information on the assessment of these effects and any mitigation measures being provided.
+Are there any alternative parking arrangements for disabled drivers?
Barnet Council is consulting on providing two additional Blue Badge parking spaces on Watling Avenue, near Barnfield Road. Blue Badge holders also retain their existing privileges for parking in various on-street bays and residential spaces across the borough.
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