Barnet Council has dropped an ‘experimental’ parking scheme in North Finchley following an uproar by residents.

It has pledged to carry out a consultation on parking arrangements in the area before coming up with alternative plans.

The U-turn came after residents and businesses complained that an extension to the operating times for parking restrictions could deter visitors and customers.

They also claimed not to have been consulted on the scheme, which was due to roll out last Thursday (September 6).

The ‘experimental’ controlled parking zone was designed to protect residents’ parking from visitors attending the newly built St Barnabas Church at Solar House.

It would have seen parking restrictions in effect from 9am to 9.30pm all week – up from 9am to 5pm Monday to Saturday.

A council spokesman said: “We have listened to residents and will not implement the experimental scheme. We will carry out a future consultation in the area to see if there is any consensus about what future parking arrangements should be put in place.”