Match day parking controls are being introduced in Hackney from 16 August 2008. The new scheme is designed to prioritise parking for local residents and businesses when Arsenal play at home.

Cllr Alan Laing, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods said: “Local residents and business owners have told us that finding a parking space on match days is a real problem.

“That is why we’re extending the Controlled Parking Zones (CPZ) to apply on match days. Football supporters are encouraged to use public transport to get to matches. If they choose to drive, parking will not be free.”

Roads affected are in Zones G, G2 and Zone M (west of Milton Grove). On Match days, controls will generally end at 8.30pm on weekdays and 4.30pm on weekends and bank holidays. The new scheme will mirror Match day parking controls which already exist in neighbouring borough Islington.

Residents who live in the affected CPZs will need to display their parking permits and should advise their visitors to also clearly display visitor’s vouchers, or use the pay and display facilities.

Disabled bays will continue to operate as normal on match days. As usual only people displaying a Blue Badge or Companion Badge will be able to park in disabled bays. Companion Badge holders can continue to park in resident permit bays in their ‘home’ CPZ.

Boundary signs will be put up to show the date of the next Arsenal match at Emirates Stadium in affected areas. For more information visit www.hackney.gov.uk/parking; email: consultparking@hackney.gov.uk or phone: 0208 356 8877.

An up to date list of Arsenal games at the Emirates stadium can be found at www.arsenal.com.