Parking curbs are driving our shops out of business

Published: 11 February, 2011

• NOT such a happy new year for businesses – VAT increase, parking permit rises, business rates, roadworks and inflation. All issues that are causing more than their fair share of headaches and no less so in the heart of Islington.  

Business owners have recently raised their concerns with the local authority to no avail and it would seem to many that Transport for London (TfL) no longer cares. Though bus routes are owned by TfL, business owners need the backing and support of councillors, town centre managers and MPs to address these measures.

One would ask why, when the local economy and private sector were never more in need than now with looming public sector cuts, are these conflicting measures being put in place?  

Without a healthy infrastructure for our shops our  borough will be left with nothing in the wake of this age called austerity. Consumers already have to face rising inflation, the increased cost of  transport as well as sky-rocketing fuel prices.

This vicious cycle will inevitably leave us with an Orwellian-type “wasteland”, with optimism being sucked from the heart of our enterprising community. In times of recession and hardship only the strongest survive, but that is not to say we should not protect our weakest too.

I recently received this message from Jimmy’s Shoes, in Essex Road: “Parking changes implemented in December have caused a 20 per cent fall in trade. We are  seriously concerned about the implication of these changes to our business, particularly because the bus lane filter that has been put outside our shop was not on the original plans. These new changes have taken  place without considered consultation. Please help as we see a real threat to our business.”  

A local dry cleaner also brought it to my attention that at least five businesses or more along Essex Road have closed or moved over the past year, some directly due to the restrictions on parking. There is a genuine feeling of neglect and frustration that is causing a stir in Islington and our leaders must take notice. 

Driving our economy is more than about money, but about our community. Soulless chains cannot bridge this gap.

RONKE LAWAL
Chief executive, Islington Chamber of Commerce

• NEW parking “arrangements” have recently been introduced in Essex Road between Cross Street and New North Road. Businesses tell me there has been a sharp drop in trade since the changes have been made, especially during the week.

Traders also insist that the way the parking has been set out is different from what was agreed after they had been to many meetings with TfL.

I intend to find out if TfL has built what was agreed. But whether or not this is true, it is unacceptable that a relentless desire to shave a few more seconds off bus journeys, along with draconian enforcement of parking restrictions, should threaten businesses that provide essential and useful services.

I suspect the latest changes to Essex Road have swung the balance too far in favour of speeding up traffic, and against businesses. 

This is very worrying, particularly at a time when the customers of these shops will be just starting to feel the squeeze as the government’s compulsory austerity measures start to bite.  

CLLR MARTIN KLUTE
Labour, St Peters ward