Vandalised parking signs will be replaced this week (From Times Series)

Vandalised parking signs in North Finchley will be replaced this week according to Barnet Borough Council

10:36am Wednesday 17th October 2012 in News By Emma Innes

Barnet Borough Council has confirmed that the vandalised parking signs in North Finchley will be replaced this week.

In a statement the council said that the pay-by-phone parking signs in High Road, which were spray painted last week, will be replaced by the end of this week.

Since the signs were vandalised drivers have been able to park without paying in certain places as they are unable to see the numbers on the signs.

The council also confirmed that they are working with the police to try and establish who was responsible for the damage.

Traders in North Finchley believe that the vandal was acting in protest against the controversial parking scheme in the area.

However, Helen Michael, owner of Cafe Buzz in High Road, said: “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.”