At the beginning of February 2025, we were contacted by concerned residents about signs that had appeared on lampposts at Ace Parade, Hook, Chessington. The signs alerted customers that Transport for London (TfL) were applying to install an additional two Electrical Vehicle (EV) charging points at the Parade.
The existing EV bay is little used, being vacant for lengthy periods and taking up valuable parking spaces. This is a busy and thriving shopping parade, well-used by the local community, especially for patients visiting the Ace Pharmacy. We need the maximum number of parking bays possible, open to all visitors.
We spoke to residents and businesses at Ace Parade. They were worried the loss of parking would have a negative impact on customers’ access to the Parade and potential loss of business through drop in footfall. Most of the businesses on the Parade are small, independents.
Petition
CDRA set up a petition to demonstrate to TfL that this proposal is not thought through, would have a negative impact on the local economy and viability of local businesses and could endanger the livelihoods of currently thriving businesses. We contacted TfL, our local MP and London Assembly Member.
Chaos commences
Despite our best efforts and those of residents and businesses and our local councillors, unfortunately our voices – as the local community – were not heard. By 17th February, the works to install the EV charging points were underway, and the chaos commenced.
Parking and loading bays suspended, incorrect signage installed and parts of the slip road closed, causing chaos for vehicles and frustration to residents and the businesses. Pedestrian access has been severely affected, with barriers and groundworks’ debris everywhere. Parking tickets have been wrongly issued, causing stress to residents and customers. The changing closures and Elmcroft Drive access from the slip road and Hook Road also closed, has and continues to cause confusion and chaos, creating serious safety issues for both pedestrians and vehicles.
On 27th February we heard that, due to some technical issues during the exploratory works, there will be just one further EV charging point installed. By 13th March, the technical issues have been resolved and the original two additional EV charging points will be installed.
On 21st March the slip road is still coned off. The only available parking spaces are the loading bay spaces. The penalty sign has been covered, so hopefully TfL has stopped fining residents for using these spaces. CDRA has had no response directly from Tfl, but we understand they are considering cancelling the fines for anyone who has already received a penalty notice.
If you have received a parking fine, please contact Kishan at Ace Pharmacy. Kishan is co-ordinating a response to TfL.
Unwavering support
CDRA has been relentless in pushing TfL for improvements to communication about the haphazard ongoing works to support customers and business at Ace Parade and help ensure this valuable community amenity survives. Apart from Councillor Lorraine Dunstone who has been proactive, as far as we are aware no other councillors or officers from Kingston, our MP Sir Ed Davey or Gareth Roberts, our London Assembly Member, have visited the Parade to speak directly to customers, residents and businesses about the issues.
At the South of the Borough Neighbourhood Committee meeting on 25th March, CDRA raised the issue and thanked Councillor Lorraine Dunstone for her support. Councillor Lorraine Dunstone recognised that it had been a frustrating time for businesses, district nurses, patients, customers and residents. She told the meeting that Elmcroft Drive would open by the end of the week. She reassured residents that she and other councillors and officers continued to put pressure on TfL. The Leader of the Council, Councillor Andreas Kirsch, said he would be inviting the TfL Commissioner to Kingston to discuss improvements to future consultations and for confirmation that there would be no further loss of parking bays in Chessington. Councillor Kirsch has requested data on the use of the EV charging points.
CDRA are meeting with Councillor Nicola Nardelli, portfolio holder for sustainable transport for Kingston Council on 27th March. We will update this page once that meeting has taken place.
We also asked both Sir Ed Davey and Gareth Roberts if they would like to provide a comment for us to publish but, to date, we have not had a response.