Police investigate vandalism of parking signs (From Times Series)
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Barnet Police and Barnet Borough Council investigate vandalism of parking signs in North Finchley
1:10pm Friday 12th October 2012 in News
By Emma Innes
The vandalism of pay-by-phone parking signs has left drivers confused
Barnet Borough Council has confirmed that it is liaising with the police over the vandalism of parking signs.
Cllr Dean Cohen, cabinet member for the environment, told the Times Series that police are examining CCTV footage in an attempt to identify the vandals.
Cllr Cohen’s comments come after some of North Finchley High Road’s pay-by-phone parking signs were spray painted on Wednesday night.
He said: “This sort of vandalism is a criminal act and a waste of public money.
“We are examining CCTV footage to identify the vandals and are liaising with the police.”
In a statement the council said: “There have been on-going problems of signs being vandalised in and around North Finchley High Road and, as a result, the council has had to replace signs on more than one occasion.
“We will continue monitor the area and replace them as and when necessary.
“In the meantime, we advise motorists to first try and find a bay without a vandalised sign, if this is not possible, then to use one of the nearby off-street car parks such as Lodge Lane, Stanhope Road, and Castle Road.”
The vandalism has left North Finchley’s drivers “bemused” as it means people cannot read the phone number or parking code on the sign.
Helen Michael, owner of Cafe Buzz in High Road, said: “I believe this is done as a protest.
“It is not the first time it has happened. It has been going on for four or five months.
“I understand the reasons that people are doing this but I don’t condone criminal damage.”
While Ms Michael is vehemently opposed to Barnet Borough Council’s parking policy she does not believe that this latest protest is helping struggling traders.
She said: “I don’t think it is doing the traders any favours.
“People don’t want to take the risk of getting a fine so, if they don’t know how to pay, they will just leave.
“I have seen a lot of people looking bemused.”
Comments(3)
james smyth
says...
5:58pm Fri 12 Oct 12
Maybe instead of blaming the council for the downturn in their revenue they need to think for themselves that just maybe that the service that they provide isnt as good as it was or is just that little bit too expensive than the shop down the road and shoppers are going elsewhere instead and nothing to do with the parking charges.
How about practicing what you preech. Your demanding that the Council lower their charges so how about YOU lot lowering your prices!!
Bet you wont ?
barnet head
says...
8:12pm Fri 12 Oct 12
We are all being careful with our money and dont all drive so if you have nothing worth purchasing then we will not shop in the high street. Stop being so greedy, sell something we actually want and we will visit.
abarnetboy says...
2:04pm Fri 12 Oct 12
You can park in a bay with a damaged sign without payment but given what happened last time with the council turning up, changing the signs and dishing out tickets you would be well advised to take a photo of the sign when you park to use in your appeal.
The biggest act of vandalism ever seen in Barnet was the scrapping by the council of all the parking meters in the first place. Any chance of the police investigating that?