New pay and display parking meters have been installed in North Finchley – but traders say “more needs to be done” to improve footfall in the High Road.

Barnet Borough Council has unveiled six pay and display parking machines which can be used with credit and debit cards. 

The first machines of this type were put in Lodge Lane car park in January, and more will follow in the coming months.

Councillor Dean Cohen, cabinet member for the environment, said: "We have listened to our residents’ requests to install these new parking machines. The Lodge Lane car park machines have been widely used so far, and we know the new ones will be equally popular with our residents and visitors.

“We will continue this year to support local businesses and the public on our high streets by offering them increased choice for easier parking in our borough. 

“We are installing these new parking machines as we know the public and traders felt pay and display would help those that do not have access to a mobile phone, smartphone or the widely available scratch cards.”

But Helen Michael, owner of Cafe Buzz in High Road does not think the council has gone far enough to help boost footfall in North Finchley.

Ms Michael, who has campaigned for better parking, said: “Barnet Council is still not listening. We need to make it easier and cost effective for people to use the High Road. We all want a thriving local economy so let’s see it.

“If the council want the High Road to work then we need some proper action. It’s great the machines are coming back but cash is king – bring cash parking back and offer free parking for at least half an hour.

“Every day businesses are struggling – five businesses have closed or are closing in North Finchley since Christmas. More needs to be done.”