 Friday 2 February 2024
 Pay and Display Machines are no longer in use in Redbridge since yesterday (Thursday 1 February).
The machines have been taken out of operation and discontinued due to underuse, and their outdated technology ceasing to function. They are also often targeted by vandals and criminals.
The machines will be physically removed from sites later this year, in conjunction with the introduction of PayPoint - a widely recognised scheme offering people the opportunity to pay, including with cash, for a range of goods and services at any local retailer or business signed up as a PayPoint site.
There are more than 100 PayPoint sites locally, and plans are underway to set up the sites to accept payment for parking as an additional feature of the PayPoint service in Redbridge.
PayPoint will be offered alongside RingGo, which will continue as the borough's main payment method for parking.
You can register for a free RingGo account to make payments quickly from any smart device, pay via the RingGo app by visiting the RingGo website or calling RingGo at 0203 046 0010 if you don't have a smartphone.
Signage about payment methods can be found at existing Pay and Display machine sites.
 Community support for stricter action against fly-tippers has triggered steeper penalties for those caught making a mess in Redbridge.
Anyone caught dumping their rubbish in the borough now faces a £1000 on-the-spot fine for fly-tipping. The hard-hitting fine follows a change to legislation last year and is being introduced in response to feedback from local people.
A recent borough-wide survey revealed that clean and tidy neighbourhoods and tougher action for fly-tipping were among the top priorities for local people. The responses were collated from Redbridge Council’s boroughwide Budget Survey 2024/25.
A series of new fines comes into effect across the borough from Thursday 1 February and is aimed at deterring people from harming public spaces and ensuring that those who continue to pollute our streets with fly-tips or litter face tougher consequences.
 Get tips on how to save money and efficiently manage your household budget.
Join our free session at Redbridge Central Library, Ilford, on Friday 9 February between 10am and 12pm.
Register for your place by email
 Join Vision RCL for a fun-packed February half term. Dive into our Swim Crash Courses, pedal through thrilling Cycling Courses, be captivated by enchanting theatre shows, and indulge your creativity with the Wonka Workshop and arts and crafts sessions at Redbridge Libraries.
Prepare for a week filled with fun and enriching activities for all ages.
 It's important to get tested for HIV as testing can identify HIV early, meaning you can live a healthier, longer life. For National HIV Testing Week, 5 to 11 February, anyone in England aged 16 and over can order a free test from freetesting.hiv. It's a great opportunity to get tested and encourage others to do the same.
Positive East will hold free, fast and confidential HIV testing in Ilford Town Centre outside the METRO bank from 10am to 4pm on Monday 5 February.
 The next Mayor of London and London Assembly elections take place on Thursday 2 May 2024.
To vote in the upcoming election, residents must be on the electoral register by 11:59pm on Tuesday 16 April
You can check whether you’re registered to vote on the Gov website.
You’ll also now need to show photo ID when voting in local elections in England (including councils, mayors, the Greater London Authority and parishes)
Find out more about accepted forms of photo ID, how to apply for a free Voter Authority Certificate, and what to expect on polling day.
 In just three simple steps, you could help change the culture around sexist street harassment.
Don’t Stand By, Step In! launches on Monday 5 February, to equip bystanders when witnessing everyday harassment such as cat-calling and unwanted advances.
Distract him – Support her – Get help
A simple, ‘Is this the right bus stop for…?’ can be enough to interrupt a perpetrator. An offer to raise the alarm or wait for other help can be what the woman needs to feel your solidarity.
Of course, judge each situation and stay safe. Please call 999 if you’re concerned.
As part of Don't Stand By, Step In!, we'll be making training resources available to combat violence against women and girls.
 Following the success of our Jubilee Gardens Engagement Hub in Ilford Lane, we’re bringing services to Hainault Library every Tuesday.
The first session is on Tuesday 6 February. This is an opportunity for people in Redbridge to receive face-to-face support from the Council and our partner organisations.
We have a range of services, including Redbridge Information Advice & Support Service (RIASS), drug and alcohol services, Redbridge Quits Smoking and Redbridge CVS Healthy Communities, that will be on the site every Tuesday between 10am and 2pm.
We hope to extend service offerings in the coming months.
 February marks the beginning of LGBT History Month - an annual month-long observance of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender history and the history of gay rights and related civil rights movements.
The theme for LGBT History Month 2024 is Medicine #UnderTheScope
LGBT History Month 2024 will be an opportunity to celebrate the lives and work of LGBT healthcare professionals who have made significant contributions to the field of medicine. It will also be a time to examine the health inequalities that LGBT people have experienced historically and still face today.
Redbridge Libraries are hosting several events to get involved in, including special book chat collections, comedy night, interactive storytelling, arts and crafts, and more activities throughout the month.
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