Traders have backed the Times Series’ new 30 Minutes Free campaign to urge Barnet Borough Council to introduce 30 minutes' free parking on its high streets.

We hope our campaign, launched today, will put pressure on Barnet Council to change the rules to encourage more people to visit the area.

Across the borough, shopkeepers say trade has dwindled in recent years, and many we have spoken to fear their days as small businesses owners are numbered.

Some traders have already moved away from high streets they have likened to “ghost towns” and others have indicated they might be forced to follow suit.

They have all attributed their downfall to one thing: parking.

Parking fees for just half an hour in the borough's car parks can vary from 50p to £1 – and it’s an extra 10p if you are paying by phone.

Cash meters were removed from the borough’s streets in 2010, so now your only option is to pay by phone or to use your bank card.

A motion, put forward by Labour Councillor Alan Schneiderman, to introduce 30 minutes of free parking on streets in the borough was rejected by Barnet Council's environment committee in November 2014.

As a result of the restrictions, Eve Fox, who owns Hadley Hounds, in High Street, Barnet, is relocating her dog grooming parlour to Whetstone. She was fed up with the number of customers getting ticketed to simply drop their dogs off and said half an hour free parking might have saved her business.

Eve Fox, below

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Raj Mathur, who has owned Coffee Republic, in High Road, North Finchley, for seven years, said footfall dramatically decreased after 2010.

He said: “Nobody can be bothered to fumble around for their bank card or their phone to pay to park to do a quick errand.

“It’s had a knock on effect on us as a lot of our trade was people popping in for a quick cup of tea after going to the bank or picking up a prescription.

“People have changed their habits. Our high street is declining and we feel powerless to stop it.”

Helen Michael, who owns Cafe Buzz, agreed, saying the majority of her customers say they now prefer to go to nearby Brent Cross Shopping Centre, where parking is free.

Raj Mathur, with Cafe Buzz owner Helen Michael

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And Sue Tollerfield, who owns The Cherry Tree Gift Shop, in East Finchley, with Hayley Millar, said it is often as though a “tumbleweed is blowing down the street”.

She added: “I think it’s a great campaign, anything that can help boost trade and increase footfall is something we’d welcome.”

Sue Tollerfield with Atif Mahmood, who owns Passobello Carpets, who is also calling for changes, below

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We are calling for 30 minutes free of charge at car parks and high streets in the borough, in the hope that this will encourage more people to visit the area. We want to see a system similar to that in Hertsmere, where there half an hour of free parking at all streets in the borough.

In Hertsmere, people can claim a free ticket from the meter and display it in their windshield, and if they want to park for longer they can do so there and then.

A similar system has been implemented in Harrow, where people can park for free for 20 minutes.

Parking campaigner Derek Dishman, who lives in Barnet and helps hundreds of people fight their parking tickets each year, is supporting the campaign.

He said: “Parking does not have to concern many and space can be rationed by time as easily by the pound.

“I think this campaign is an excellent idea. The high street is suffering with huge competition against the internet, so the more we can do.”

Derek Dishman, aka Mr Mustard

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Councillor Dean Cohen, chairman of the environment committee, said: “The council’s parking policy establishes an 85 per cent occupancy target for both on-street and off-street parking and our charging policy will be set in relation to this.

“This may require different solutions in different areas. If an area is not aligned with this target we will work with local residents and businesses to address this.”

Cllr Cohen tests out a new pay by card parking meter

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