TfL’s parking restrictions leave shopkeepers fearing the future

2:26pm Friday 31st August 2007

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By Harry Miller

A petition calling for a change in parking restrictions in Stonecot Hill has been signed by more than 2,000 people.

Residents and shopkeepers took action because they say the red route restrictions are driving visitors and shoppers away.

Adrian Short, 36, who has lived in the area for almost a decade, said: "The situation at the moment is very confusing with different bays having different restrictions. We are calling for Transport for London (TFL) to take the situation seriously.

"If people can't go to their local shops because they are unable to park they will just drive through and that will force small businesses to close."

Arun Ganesh, 37, who runs Lakshans Groceries, said he was loosing about 20 per cent of his business because customers had nowhere to park.

Fellow businessman Edward Luckhurst, 63, owner of Plumb Crazy, said he wants TfL to redesign the layout to accomodate local shops so customers can visit without incuring fines.

At present Stonecot Hill and a service road running off it both have red route restrictions.

Mr Short said: "Some people have real mobility problems. Their local shops are sometimes all they have. If we're forced to close where will they be then?"

Barry Cooper, 44, who runs taxi company Sky Cars, said he can't pick up customers outside his firm because he will be issued with a £100 fine.

A TFL spokesman said: "The current parking bays reflect the need for parking, with 20 minute and one hour bays installed for customers who need to visit the shops in this area. Extending the permitted waiting periods would reduce the availability of spaces and potentially have a negative impact on local businesses.

"We're aware of local concerns and hope to schedule a survey of local business needs towards the end of this year."