BUSINESSES in Highams Park say proposals to introduce a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) could force them from the area – while in north Chingford similar plans are dividing opinion.

Waltham Forest Council is currently consulting in both areas on whether to introduce permit parking schemes, which would cost resident £22.50p to £120 annually - if they have one car - to park in their street.

But it would also cost traders £390 for a business permit per car or van – with the fee rising to £590 once the number of vehicles reaches three or more.

Dennis Swain, manager of Dendale Construction Ltd in Hale End Road, estimates a CPZ would cost his firm at least £3,500.

He said: “We wouldn't be able to afford it so we'd have to move out of Waltham Forest.

“The whole thing stinks. We don't have parking problems by our business and the council is only holding the consultation for a very short time – just three weeks.”

Clive Sambles, director of the Highams Park Motor Company in Winchester Road, agreed.

He said: “We sometimes park customers' cars in the street and we have seven members of staff who drive.

“The amount they want to charge us, if this goes through, is extortionate. We would either have to lay staff off or leave the borough.”

Mr Sambles said the council initially failed to send him a consultation form and is concerned the same has happened to other businesses.

Meanwhile in north Chingford anti-CPZ campaigners say they have widespread support from the community.

However a group of residents living near Chingford Station has contacted the Guardian saying they strongly support the proposals.

A spokeswoman for the 'North Chingford Residents' group said: “We currently have approximately 300 signatures in support of a CPZ in north Chingford to stop the long term commuters, who park all day for free and choke up our roads.

“...the roads without restrictions and situated right next to the station have become a free long term car park for commuters, which is detrimental to both the local shops and the residents”.

But Mark Brown, 46, of the Victoria Road Neighbourhood Watch, said a public meeting he organised this week to discuss the issue was “packed” with residents concerned about the proposals.

He said: “It's absolutely massive. The message is clear that the vast majority do not want any CPZs.”

The consultation closes on Monday November 5.

The council says it will only introduce a CPZ where the majority of respondents agree.