OPPOSITION to proposed parking restrictions is growing, as traders claim the move could cripple their businesses.
Waltham Forest Council is currently consulting on introducing controlled parking zones across Chingford and Highams Park.
The proposal has divided opinion between those who want to stop commuters parking outside their homes and others who believe it is simply a council money-making scheme.
Anti-CPZ campaigners now claim to have gathered 700 signatures on a petition against a scheme in Chingford, which covers a half-mile radius around Chingford Railway Station in Station Road.
And retailers have joined businesses in Hale End Road, Highams Park, in claiming the fees could put them out of business.
Mark Brown, 46, of Victoria Road in Chingford, is confident of gathering hundreds more signatures on the petition, and has set up website nocpz.co.uk to gather support.
He said: "It's a money-making device and we don't want to be a part of that. The council has sold off plenty of car parks and this is a way of making up the revenue.
"The response I've had has been incredible. People don't want it, plain and simple."
The schemes would cost residents between £22.50 and £120 a year depending on the number of cars, but businesses would be forced to fork out £390 for one vehicle, with the fee rising to £590 for three or more vehicles.
Steve Murphy, 39, who owns The Wine Factor in Station Road, said: "It could really cripple businesses. The council should be helping us. I can't see why we're being bullied through the cost.
"There's shops struggling here and this might just push some over the edge."
There have also been complaints that the consultation, which ends on Monday, has been held for just three weeks.
But 300 residents living near Chingford station have signed a petition in support of the proposals.
There was anger among traders recently when Station Road missed out on money from a £9 million fund dedicated to improving the borough's high streets.
The council has been approached for comment, and will have officers available at a drop-in session tonight (October 29) at Chingford Assembly Hall in Station Road to answer questions about the schemes between 5pm and 7pm.
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