A DRIVER has accused Barnet Council of “helping the rich” by offering free parking in Whetstone – but nowhere else in the borough.

Michael Keogh, of Whitings Road, New Barnet, is furious that shoppers can park for free in the well-off area of High Road, Whetstone, without risking a ticket.

But in other high streets in the borough – including High Barnet and North Finchley – it can often cost up to £2.70 for a two hour stay.

The 56-year-old said: “Whetstone is like millionaires row, so by offering free parking there I feel like they are trying to help the rich.

“It makes me very cross. People seem to be exempt from any parking charges there. It’s not fair, it’s frustrating.

“It’s like there’s one law for them and one law for another.”

Last year Eve Fox, who owns Hadley Hounds, was forced to move her dog-grooming parlour to Whetstone to beat the parking charges.

Traders have been fighting for 30 minutes free parking – backed by a Times Series and Barnet Society campaign last year – because they feel it would increase footfall.

But Barnet Council insist free parking is not the answer and despite a petition which was aired on ITV’s Parking Wars, councilors have not relented.

Mr Keogh moved to Barnet in 1968 and said the area was “bustling”, but parking restrictions have “killed” the area off.

He added: “Shops have had to close because they can’t keep up. It’s unbelievable. Whetstone is thriving but the rest of the borough gets a raw deal.

“It’s tough when people are trying to make things work, there is a lot of pressure on traders.

“It’s a strange set of circumstances. You’re already paying to shop which helps the economy – so why do you have to pay again?

“I wish they’d see sense and listen to shopkeepers to negotiate with them, as opposed to saying no outright. It’s horrendous.”

Councillor Dean Cohen, chairman of the environment committee, said parking is free in certain areas including New Southgate, Church Hill Road, Daws Lane, New Brent Street and Colindale.

He said: “What’s important is that the spaces are in use and they are. If spaces are full then free parking will not help. We have an occupancy target of 85 per cent - to allow for turnover – and local measures are determined with this in mind.

“There are seven council car parks spread across the borough which offer free parking. This is in addition to other on-street free parking periods, such as the two hours at Hadley Green, and the short stay split-use loading bays in multiple locations.”