Shops hit by fees rise

Published: 12 November, 2010

• IT has been brought to the attention of Islington Chamber of Commerce that parking charges have been raised along with a change of usage of parking space. 

Of particular concern are the decisions to allow residents to park on business pay-and-display spaces, using their residents’ parking permits, between 10am and 2pm; to increase pay-and-display charges by up to 50 per cent; and to increase business parking permits.

The middle of the day is crucial to businesses in Archway, Holloway and the Nag’s Head area, and across Islington as a whole. The chamber is concerned that not enough has been done to make business owners aware of the purpose of these changes.  

Business need is related to the purpose  for which designated parking spaces and permits are required and thus an increase will represent an increase in tax. The increase in pay-and-display charges may discourage new customers from visiting local stores. We have recently been informed that a gym owner in Archway has lost 20 customers due to the increase in parking charges.

 We strongly urge Islington Council overview scrutiny committee to re-assess these factors and take a closer look at the impact on business owners. At a time when the economic climate is uncertain and many small businesses are struggling to survive it is important that their concerns are taken seriously.

RONKE LAWAL
Chief executive, Islington Chamber of Commerce