Car ban is ‘killing business’

A once thriving parade of seven shops, close to The Triangle, in Green Lanes, is feeling the strain after Enfield Council installed the camera in November, effectively preventing shoppers from parking in the area.

Sarpur Hulusi, 51, who runs Premier Dry Cleaners, claims business has dropped by 50 per cent.

He said: "We are struggling to survive.

"Shopkeepers were not informed about the introduction of the camera. A lot of customers park for just a few minutes to bring business to the shops, but nearly all have been given a £40 fine and many have taken their custom elsewhere.

"With raising business rates and rent it is very hard.

"I think the council's motivation is to make money from every inch of tarmac available, but it is killing business off in this area.

"I don't think the authority has thought it through properly. The flow of traffic has never been affected by parked cars here."

Mr Hulusi has helped to gather the petition which contains the names of shopkeepers and supportive customers.

The shopkeepers are calling on the council to install alternative pay and display parking bays outside their shops and have the backing of Palmers Green councillor Bambos Charalambous.

He said: "It is wrong that people aren't able to park, even for a short period of time, in front of the shops. The council needs to listen to what the shopkeepers have to say."

A council spokeswoman said: "The council is always concerned to hear about a drop in trade.

"However, this does not condone illegal parking. If trade has dropped by 50 per cent as a result of CCTV cameras it would indicate a considerably high number of motorists were parking illegally beforehand and continue to do so."

"Whilst scope to extend pay and display parking at this location is limited, it could be considered, provided suitable spaces were identified."