Islington decides

Judith Herrin (London): I’d just read Zac Goldsmith’s report of the anger in Barnes and his hopes that local referendums can reinvigorate local democracy when what should pop through the door but an invitation to vote – and decide - on a policy in Islington. We all got personal letters asking us to vote in a “Green Parking Referendum” on the cost of on-street parking. We already have a higher charge of £95 a year for on-street parking of larger cars and £75 for compacts. The proposal is to differentiate charges even more, for example a Toyota Prius will pay £40 less, a Fiat Punto £20 less, while a Ford Mondeo will pay £65 more, and a Landrover or Audi £105 more than they are currently paying. The notice included a coloured brochure with arguments for and against and the website with guidance and details of the proposed charges (you can even vote on-line). The Council free sheet, ‘Islington Now’ followed, announcing “Power to the People!”. “Make sure you have your say”, it urged, “your vote will decide”. On our street there is a good mixture of cars from 4 x 4s to many compacts. How will we vote? Will we know if concern about the necessity of reducing carbon emissions has any effect at this personal level? There is no promise to publish a breakdown of the votes by street or even ward. But at least everyone, car owners, bikers and pedestrians, is invited to take part. I am sure it must be a good idea, I intend to vote.