Plans to introduce parking charges at a famous London grassroots football venue are to be extended across other parks and leisure facilities, The Standard can reveal.
Hackney council is proposing to charge drivers up to £5.70 per hour – more than the cost of parking at the nearby Westfield shopping centre – to park at Hackney marshes, where parking is currently free.
More than 1,450 people have signed an online petition opposing the “extortionate” charges, which clubs say will harm efforts to encourage children and adults to play sport.
But The Standard has learned that the parking charges will be introduced more widely across the borough – including at the Mabley Green astroturf pitches near Hackney marshes that are used by boys’ and girls’ football teams.
They will also be introduced at Spring Hill recreation ground, part of the Lea Valley park near Walthamstow marshes.
Spring Hill has tennis courts and is regularly used by Hackney Rugby Club – which has men’s, women’s and children’s teams - for training and matches.
Like Hackney marshes, Mabley Green is not easily accessible, being about a mile from the nearest train station, more than two miles from the nearest Tube station at Stratford, and with few bus services.
The Labour-run council is also proposing to introduce parking charges at West Reservoir Centre, in Green Lanes – used by young and adult Londoners to learn how to sail, kayak and swim in open water – and at Haggerston park.
Under the proposals, the same charges will be introduced at all the venues from July, and will apply from 8am until 6.30pm, seven days a week.
They will range from £2.60 an hour for a zero-emission car, £3.70 for a petrol car registered since 2005, £4.70 for a diesel registered since 2015 and £5.70 for all other vehicles.
People who use Hackney marshes have expressed their anger at the proposed charges.
One said: “For many families like mine, this space provides an invaluable opportunity to support our children's hobbies and spend quality time together.
“Attending activities or matches often requires us to be there for over three hours at a time. Unfortunately, the hourly parking fees can be a significant financial burden, especially for those of us trying to support our children in a positive and active lifestyle.
“Not every family can afford these additional costs regularly. I kindly ask that you reconsider the current parking policy and explore options such as exemptions for youth sports events.”
A Hackney council spokesperson said: “We know not everyone can access the marshes by public transport, which is why we provide two dedicated car parks.
“These proposals aim to ensure those who need to park can continue to do so affordably, with fees for most vehicles in line with similar facilities and only the most polluting paying the maximum charge.
“The fees we are proposing would bring parking at Hackney Marshes in line with all other council-managed car parks, help improve air quality in what is Hackney’s largest green space, and encourage those who can use sustainable forms of transport to do so.”
