Furore over plan to roll out 12 new Redbridge parking zones

A barrage of criticism has met plans to roll out the parking charges, which will be enforced every day of the week.

Business owners only got wind of the proposals last week when they were sent letters asking for their views on what Redbridge Council says will raise more money to “help maintain services”.

Six business owners along a parade of shops in Clayhall Avenue, Clayhall, have put their name to an ever-growing petition since learning of plans to put double yellow lines and pay and display parking outside their work places.

Martin Zealander, owner of hairdressers Sharpen Up, said: “Everyone thinks this is ridiculous. There’s no valid reason for them to do this.

“With the double yellow lines, there will only be five parking spaces.

“There’s a big mix of age groups among my clients, but a lot of people won’t even come here if they can’t park or have to pay.

“They’re just killing small business at a time when we need all the help we can get.”

The proposed pay and display areas, which are all out to consultation, would have a 30p charge for 15 minutes of parking, 60p for 30 minutes, �1.10 for one hour and �2.50 for two hours.

Another area earmarked for paid parking is a parade of shops in New North Road, Hainault, close to the junction with Maypole Crescent.

Paresh Laxhman, of newly established business Parties Inc, said: “We’re trying to understand the justification for doing this.

“We just want support from the council as opposed to them making things harder.

“I know times are tough, but there must be better ways for them to make money.”

A council report into the proposals says the 12 new charging zones could bring in �165,000 a year for the authority.

Some of the other roads which could be affected include: Aldborough Road South, Newbury Park; Beehive Lane, Gants Hill; Fencepiece Road, Hainault; Horns Road, Newbury Park; Meads Lane, Seven Kings and Snakes Lane East, Woodford Green.