CCTV and 'over-zealous' parking rules ‘killing business, say Fortess Road traders

Published: 28 April 2011
by DAN CARRIER

CCTV traffic cameras and overzealous parking wardens are strangling a once busy shopping street, traders have claimed. 

Small businesses on Fortess Road, which runs from Tufnell Park to Kentish Town, say that despite an increased  number of pay-and-display bays and a relaxation in the hours of the week when a ticket is required, the Town Hall have refused to listen to their concerns. The traders say parking bosses are enforcing a policy that is killing business through a camera oper­ated by the council and hardline enforcement. 

And they say a new pelican crossing installed earlier this year has reduced vital space for customer parking.

Sally Celik, of the popular Fortess Café, said the camera was causing havoc for her customers and affecting her takings.

She said: “We have been running this café for 15 years and each year we see more and more people closing up their businesses. 

“We asked Camden Council for help back in 2008 to improve the parking. We wanted some pointless double yellow lines removed – but instead of listening to us, they have put in a set of traffic lights that are completely unnecessary.”

Ms Celik said that ­early morning customers – she does good business between 6am and 8am – were also being hit with fines. 

“The parking restrictions really affect us at that time,” added Ms Celik. “So many people want to stop for just two minutes, get themselves a bacon sandwich and a cup of tea – but not if it is going to cost them a massive fine. 

“We need more parking, with parking restrictions better thought out.”

A spokesman for Camden Council said: “The pedestrian crossing was installed in Fortess Road as part of a local safety scheme as there had been a number of pedestrian casualties at this location. Following the implementation of the crossing, discussions were held with traders to increase provision for parking along Fortess Road. This will now be fed into the comprehensive parking policy review currently being undertaken by Camden with the aim of ensuring that our parking policies and arrangements are fair, proportionate and sustainable with a greater focus on the needs of our customers. 

“The review will look at a number of key issues, including pay-and-display parking, part of which will involve a review of the maximum stay in paid-for parking bays to ensure that the localised needs of businesses, residents and ­visitors are being met.”