A cafe owner is “determined” not to abandon her fight against North Finchley parking charges despite being hauled to Barnet Police Station for questioning.

Helen Michael, owner of Cafe Buzz in High Road, was interviewed under caution for two hours on Wednesday about political posters she distributed to traders who believe the £2-an-hour charges introduced by Barnet Council are threatening their businesses.

However, she remains defiant in her cause, and said: “It has actually strengthened my resolve now. It has made me determined to pursue the council in changing it because every day that goes by, I struggle to pay my bills.

“In areas like East Finchley and Finchley Central, the side streets are free to park and those areas have regenerated.

"Finchley is becoming a ghost town and all the council needs to do is make it cheaper.”

Ms Michael, who would like to see the charges lowered to £1-an-hour, was called in for questioning as the posters may have breached election legislation.

According to the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act, anyone putting up posters during an election must include certain information such as the name and address of the person who put up the poster, details of the person who printed it, and information about anyone who the poster is being printed for.

The controversial posters showed an image of Totteridge Councillor Brian Coleman while he was battling to be re-elected as London Assembly member and claimed Barnet Council was “murdering” High Road with its charges.

Images of all the shops in Barnet and Finchley which had shut within the last year also featured.

They were put up in North London Business Park, Oakleigh Road South, Whetstone, Finchley and Barnet on a single afternoon. Although 100 were printed, she said only 60 were even handed out.

Barnet Council are launching a parking review from Monday, July 9, to find out what changes could be made to “better serve” businesses, visitors and residents.

A questionnaire will people to divulge what issues affect them on a regular basis as well as providing people with a chance to explain their needs.

Councillor Dean Cohen, cabinet member for environment said:“We need to find a sensible balance between allowing a steady turn-over of parking spaces against the need to allow visitors sufficient time to use the high-streets.

“This review aims to make charges, parking provision and restrictions in town centres relevant to today’s local needs and demands so I hope as many local businesses as possible take this opportunity to give my officers their feedback so we can address any areas of concern as soon as possible.”