Lib Dem candidates call for free parking time in Mill Hill

Lib Dem council hopefuls Roger Tichbourne and Kim Cecchetto have started the petition in the hope of boosting businesses by increasing the number of people visiting the high street.

Traders reported an increase in business during December, when Barnet Council launched the Free after Three scheme, which allowed free parking in all of the borough's town centres.

Milway resident Mr Tichbourne, who runs the Barnet Eye blog, said: “We've had a lot of support and collected about 200 signatures so far. All of the traders we spoke to were supportive of the idea.

“The situation we have at the moment means people are encouraged to stay for a while and browse, even if they are not buying anything, as they have paid for their ticket.

“People wanting to pop in and buy a pint of milk or a sandwich are being penalised because they have to pay for parking. The kind of people who suffer are mothers and the elderly, who may have their hands full or not have any change.”

He added the charges would encourage more people to shop in their high streets than in out-of-town supermarkets.

“I was at a meeting a few months ago where the manager of Brent Cross gave a speech. He admitted they have a huge competitive advantage because people can park all day for free,” he added.

“Surely the council needs to redress the balance and even out this inequality in favour of small businesses?

“They argue it would cost a lot of money, but if businesses prosper they employ more and there would be more capital generated overall.

“I'm not saying make it completely free. People who want to spend a long tome doing something should pay, but a free period to encourage a turnover of shoppers would really help.”

The petition was launched as Marks & Spencer increased the cost of parking in its car park in The Broadway.

To add your name to the petition click the link below.

Would free parking help businesses in Mill Hill? Should this be a borough-wide scheme? Leave your comments below.