Local MP Lynne Featherstone and the Haringey Liberal Democrats are continuing to call for 30 minutes of free parking on the Borough’s High Streets, as a way to help local independent shops.

The long running Liberal Democrat campaign highlights the problems faced by independent shops, as a result of the Council’s decision to raise High Street parking charges to £3 an hour. This has had a negative effect on trade, as shoppers are put off by the high rates.

The Liberal Democrats argue that 30 minutes free parking would encourage people to ‘pop in’ to local independent retailers, rather than driving to superstores with free or cheap car parks.

To keep the issue on the agenda, pictures and quotes of local residents and retailers are being put together and shared via social media, particularly on the facebook campaign page.

Haringey Liberal Democrat leader, Cllr Richard Wilson, said:

“There is clearly a demand from the public to lower parking charges, over 5,000 people signed the Muswell Hill Traders petition calling for lower parking charges and many people have joined our campaign for 30 minutes of free parking on local high streets.

“What traders need now is support from the Labour council, they can make life easier for traders and boost local high streets in the borough but so far they have chosen not to do this. We need as many local people and shoppers as possible to join our campaign and put even more pressure on the council to introduce 30 minutes of free parking on our high streets.”

Commenting, Hornsey and Wood Green MP Lynne Featherstone said:

“During these tough economic times, local retailers need help, not hindrance. It is just outrageous that Haringey Council has raised the parking charge to £3 an hour, driving trade away from our high streets.

“Despite presenting our petitions, requesting that they lower the charges, and asking them to implement 30 minutes free parking, the Labour Administration will not listen.

“But, we won’t give up. I encourage as many residents as possible to join our campaign and share our photos and quotes. The bigger the campaign, the more pressure on the Council!”