11:55am Wednesday 23rd January 2002
The plan to introduce controlled parking in North Finchley is yet another way for the council to obtain revenue at the expense of the car driver. If parking in our streets is to be reduced, provide us with car parks. This is the council's responsibility.
If the cars are not welcome in North Finchley, it necessarily follows that shoppers will do their shopping elsewhere.
It has been repeatedly shown that we do our shopping at places where we can take our cars. A reduction in parking places will reduce trade.
The message from the council is loud and clear: "Don't go shopping in North Finchley if you are a motorist."
Making the motorist welcome by providing more free parking would be a far more positive approach to the task of regenerating the North Finchley shopping centre.
The parking congestion on our streets would be considerably reduced if the council would legislate against motor traders who extend their showrooms onto the street, and occupy space for which they pay no rent or council tax, but which for them, produces a profit.
Vehicles for sale (even by legitimate motor traders) are often parked for days on end in side streets, well away from the registered showroom.
Edward A Benabo
Derwent Crescent, Whetstone
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