ANGER is growing over the proposed parking changes in East Finchley.

Hundreds of people are now thought to have signed petitions against the plans for an all day controlled parking zone (CPZ) in the residential roads off High Road.

Traders are concerned the blanket 10am-6.30pm ban will deter shoppers from the area and significantly reduce business.

Opposition Labour councillors, who hold all three of the ward seats, have canvassed most of the people who will be affected, and issued a letter prompting them to make representations on the changes to Barnet Council.

In it, the three councillors, Andrew McNeil, Alison Moore, and Colin Rogers, wrote: “[We] urge residents to express their views about the proposals so that whatever is introduced really is the right scheme for the area.

“Some residents have already expressed concerns to us about increased parking restrictions in their own road and the potential impact on local shops, while others remain concerned about not being able to park in their own street.”

They claim the new proposals are “a significant departure” from the original CPZ scheme, which was established about ten years ago with the aim of protecting residential streets from commuter parking while leaving enough flexibility to support the “viability” of the town centre.

In an interview, Mr Rogers added: “The consultation has been minimal, although people have waiting for changes for four of five years.

“We have to balance the requirements of residents needing to park outside their house with the need to have spaces to entice customers.

“The High Road is critical to the viability of East Finchley, without it, the area would be a dormitory. The CPZ would force people away from the area and that would result in the loss of many businesses, the effect of which we would probably see within 12 months.”

He also highlighted the lack of specific consultation with elderly people who rely on the High Road.

“If cars decided to stay away, that disenfranchises people who don't drive,” said Mr Rogers.

“The pensioners are the ones who would feel the pinch.”

The East Finchley village residents association have also leant their weight to the debate, claiming they have experienced a swell of “considerable local concern” against the proposals.

In a letter to the council, signed by chairman Bob Owens, they said: “The main issues are to do with impact on local businesses if shoppers can’t park conveniently; access to services such as GP surgeries for people who have to come by car; and restrictions on parking available to visitors to people’s houses.

“It was not clear to anyone why the CPZ is needed anywhere other than on streets about ten minutes walk from the Tube. Residents are very unhappy about the prospect of not being able to park in their own roads.”

The council has insisted the proposals are not final and said officers will be carrying out further consultations towards the end of the month.