A Rickmansworth resident claims that small business owners are being treated with “contempt” following the introduction of parking restrictions.
Nick Chambers, who has lived on Moneyhill Parade for 30 years, contacted Ricky News regarding the parking restrictions introduced in the area at the end of last year. As reported at the time, local shopkeepers shared their concerns about the cost that the changes placed on them – including a £536 permit for the year.
Nick explained: “Talking to business owners, many are reporting a drop in turnover of 30 per cent since the introduction of the meters.
“The small business has become the cash cow for the government and local councils and eventually something will have to give. Sadly, I suspect it will be the businesses, and then we will be wondering yet again where have our shops and restaurants gone?”
Nick said that things came to a head on the evening of Friday, June 13, when he spotted a traffic warden handing out parking tickets at approximately 7.45pm. This is despite the parking restrictions ending at 6.30pm.
He added: “Naturally people were incensed and remonstrating with him [the warden]. Fast food delivery drivers were refusing to stop, restaurants were not able to deliver orders and businesses were receiving calls from angry customers. Eventually the police were called to bring order.”
Nick is calling for Three Rivers District Council (TRDC) to undertake another consultation with both residents and businesses, as he claims he did not receive a reply or acknowledgement to the concerns he raised.
A TRDC spokesperson said: “Following requests for a solution to local parking problems, including from local residents, the council introduced a scheme to improve road safety and prioritise parking spaces for residents and shoppers. The views of local residents and businesses helped feed into the final design after careful and extensive consultation over several years.
“The council has previously committed to reviewing the scheme after one year of it being implemented, which will involve further consultation with businesses and residents on the parking restrictions.”
Photo: Nick Chambers
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