SHOPPERS and traders have signed a petition in their hundreds in an attempt to stop Redbridge Council using new CCTV cameras to snare motorists.

Almost 300 signatures have already been gathered by businesses in George Lane, South Woodford, with more expected by the end of the week.

The moves comes after the Guardian revealed that, despite numerous reassurances that the surveillance system would only be used to combat street crime, the council admitted that they would also be used to catch drivers parking in the wrong place.

The cameras are due to be installed within the next two weeks as part of a £1.7 million regeneration project - mainly funded by Transport for London - aimed at improving George Lane for pedestrians.

Comments from angry shoppers and traders have been left on the petition, such as “enough is enough,” “just another stealth tax for the council,” and even “got to go – they're putting a ticket on my car as I write.”

David Dillane, of David Anthony's Shoes on George Lane, told the Guardian: “Customers haven't been happy about the cameras going up and some of them are saying it's an infringement of their rights.

“They have been saying they'll go elsewhere which won't help South Woodford and its big refurbishment.”

Rob Federico of the Little Woodford Café said: “Our customers have been against it just as much as we have and some people have been coming in just to sign the petition.

“We just hope the council will take note of what local people are saying.”

Petitions are still available to sign at the Little Woodford Café, Helen Rollason charity shop, Prestige dry cleaners and George's Fish and Souvlaki restaurant.

Council comment to come.