The Labour Party has launched a petition over the introduction of parking charges in Croydon.
Labour Councillor Alison Butler, spokesperson for streets and environment, condemned the £700,000 extra they claim the Conservative council is raising through parking penalties this year.
She said: “At a time when many families are struggling to make ends meet, and small shopkeepers need all the trade that they can get, this Tory council is continuing to rake in nearly three quarters of a million pounds from parking charges and penalties.
“I am really concerned about the shops and businesses in Thornton Heath because their trade relies so heavily on people being able to park nearby.
"It is about time the Tories took the profit out of parking.”
Councillor Carole Bonner, of Fieldway ward, added: “The small shops and businesses on Central Parade in New Addington have recognised the damage that this unfair tax is having on their trade.
“I am delighted that so many of those shops and businesses are already supporting this campaign, even ahead of the launch of the petition.”
Cabinet member for highways Councillor Phil Thomas said: “This council has a duty to enforce parking throughout the borough.
"There is no intention to raise extra income from this.”
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