Shoppers in Highgate will now be able to park at any time of day at a hard-pressed stretch of the Archway Road, thanks to Highgate’s Liberal Democrat councillors. The move will be a welcome boost to local traders, who often struggle due to the busy A1 and its strict, ‘red-route’ parking controls.

The change follows a discovery by Liberal Democrat councillor Rachel Allison, who was elected in a Highgate by-election landslide in March. Ms Allison discovered that the 10 until 4 parking restrictions on the road were not necessary, and following a site meeting with an official from Transport for London, which runs the road, these are to be relaxed from 7am until 7pm. This will allow shoppers to park in parts of the road for up to one hour throughout the day.The existing parking signs have already been blanked out by TfL, with new ones on the way.

The move is a welcome boost for firms like Papa Architects, which is determined to make a success of its offices on the Archway Road. The firm was one of several to raise the issue with local Lib Dem councillors, as it will enable them to have commercial visitors at any time of day.

Highgate Liberal Democrat councillor Rachel Allison comments:

“I’m delighted that Transport for London will be making this change to help the Archway Road traders. In addition to Papa Architects, other shops have been asking for action for two years, so it’s great that a face-to-face meeting with TfL on the Archway Road has finally made this happen.”

Liberal Democrat councillor Bob Hare adds:

“This is great news, but Haringey council should be more on-the-ball when it comes to the Archway Road, ensuring the parking restrictions are the minimum necessary, so that the shops can receive as much help as possible. There are some brilliant shops on the Archway Road, and sensible parking restrictions mean a real boost for traders.”