A doctor’s surgery has started an online petition to appeal against proposed parking restrictions which may affect its most vulnerable patients.

Lichfield Grove Surgery in Finchley serves around six thousand people.

Restrictions are already in place along Lichfield Grove, between 2pm and 3pm Monday to Friday.

However, people in the area have been complaining about cars being parked up on the road to use the nearby train station or shops.

This led to an informal consultation by Barnet Council to get its resident's view on expanding the current restriction to be from 10am to 4pm.

Neelam Christie, practice manager at the surgery has been leading the campaign to reject the proposals.

She has a written petition which has already attracted more than 1,500 people to sign it.

The surgery has now created an online petition in hopes it can appeal to a wider number of people.

She said it will do unnecessary harm to patients who must use the service at the surgery and will affect vulnerable people with disabilities, parents and the elderly.

Many of these people, Ms Christie says, must use cars to come to the surgery.

She said: “This will be unfair on people who have to come for their appointments.

“It could increase demands for appointments after 4pm which could in turn increase traffic and parking between 4pm and 6:30pm.

“Many patients are only able to attend GP services if they travel by car.

“This is true not only of those who have reduced mobility but for those who have young families too.”

A council spokesperson said: “This proposal is currently out for consultation.

“Residents will have the opportunity to respond.

“We will look at all the responses and act accordingly, taking note of any petitions – which will be considered by our local area forums.”