More than 800 people have demanded changes to parking restrictions on Essex Road following complaints from local business owners about excessive charges.
Campaigners along the busy thoroughfare have gathered signatures asking Islington Council to address parking problems, saying bus lane hours and parking wardens are harming business.
Nadine Davies, owner of salvage shop Architectural Forum, complained that “overzealous” wardens were wrongfully issuing tickets to vehicles trying to unload goods to her shop.
She said: “It’s just a waste of my time and energy to keep appealing tickets that were invalid in the first instance. We have issues with the wardens’ conduct and with the bus lane hours.”
Before last July, people could park after 10am on bus lanes free of charge. However, this time has since been changed to 7pm by the council and Transport for London.
Ms Davies added: “The council needs to provide facilities for us to unload and our customers to load and park – I think this has removed about 14 bays from the length of Essex Road.”
Lib Dem Councillor Susan Buchanan said in a blog post recently: “It is imperative that these popular Islington traders are protected as much as possible. They make up a vital part of Islington’s character and serve our local community well.
“Times are difficult enough for residents and local businesses and it certainly doesn’t help Islington’s economy to push these traders out. The council should listen and do everything it can to help and support them, not drive them out of business”.
