South London locals warn Elizabeth Line opening has left vulnerable residents ‘forgotten’ about

Sound-east London residents have claimed that the opening of the Elizabeth line has wreaked havoc in their neighborhood and left vulnerable residents “forgotten” about.

Residents of Priory Gardens estate in Abbey Wood say they are struggling to park on the street outside their homes due to commuters taking up space that used to be used by locals.

Bexley Council has said it plans to introduce parking restrictions.

However, residents claim their previous attempts to warn the council of potential issues have been ignored.

They also say the areas most vulnerable people have been “forgotten about”.

Resident Nicky Evans told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the lack of parking has sparked problems for carers in the neighbourhood.

“We’ve got someone who has carers coming in who can’t park here,” she explained.

Things like that just aren’t thought about.”

Previously, the station had only served Southeastern and Thameslink lines.

“It’s never ever been an issue, and then since they’ve opened [the Elizabeth line], it’s just been progressively getting worse. Probably for the last two months now people have discovered this road.

“It’s just unbearable,” added Ms. Evans.

Despite numerous warnings to the council, Ms. Evans says they were told that a review of any potential issues had to wait until the station was opened.

“It obviously was going to be an issue. Everyone’s been saying for months it’s going to be an issue and they just don’t take any notice. They’re not interested.”

She went on to add that the issue has become so severe that she is planning on moving out of the area with her four-year-old twin daughters.

“We wanted to stay in this bit because it’s really nice and quiet and it’s always been a lovely little hidden bit to live,” added Ms. Evans.

“Now, I don’t actually want to live down here anymore because it’s just turned into a stressful road to park.”

A spokesperson for Bexley Council said in a statement that a “consultation with residents and other stakeholders” would need to take place before any new parking restrictions can be introduced or amended.

“We are currently carrying out a project to introduce/amend parking restrictions in and around Abbey Wood station to help relieve the parking pressure that is a direct consequence of the Elizabeth line opening earlier in the year.“

“As part of this, we need to follow a statutory process to protect the interests of residents and motorists.”