Car-free housing schemes discriminate’ says Galloway

GEORGE Galloway has reported parking-free housing developments in the East End to the Equalities and Human Rights Commission. The MP for Bethnal Green and Bow says the parking-free scheme

By Else Kvist

GEORGE Galloway has reported parking-free housing developments in the East End to the Equalities and Human Rights Commission.

The MP for Bethnal Green and Bow says the parking-free schemes discriminate against larger families and those whose livelihood depend on car use.

In a letter to the Advertiser Mr Galloway said: "The policy of refusing to provide parking permits for car owners in new developments may have been motivated by a desire to cut down on car use.

"But the policy has been completely misconceived. It has discriminated against larger families who depend on car transport for cheap and safe transport, and those dependent on car use for their jobs, like black cab and minicab drivers."

He said many of his constituents complained that they were not informed their housing would be parking-free when signing their tenancy or buying property.

Mr Galloway said: "When this is pointed out to the council, they claim they are legally obliged to refuse parking permits and suggest the tenant or leaseholder should sue either the housing association or their solicitor or both, something most do not have the resources to do and will not get them the parking permits they desire.

Mr Galloway said he has also written to Tower Hamlets Council and the government urging them to lift restrictions on car parking.