CAMPAIGNERS expressed joy and relief after the council announced it is likely to abandon controversial pay and display parking restrictions.

The proposals have been opposed by residents and shop owners who believe the new charges will damage trade.

After consultations of high street businesses around the borough came back overwhelmingly against the plans, Redbridge Council has announced it will not proceed with them, while all existing pay and display meters will revert to their former hours of operation.

It will recommend its cabinet to drop the plans at a meeting on Tuesday, September 6. The pay and display charges would have been in effect between 7am and 7pm for seven days a week.

These were already in effect on George Lane, South Woodford, where the meters will now return to 8.30am to 6.30pm between Monday and Saturday, while they were to replace the 9.30am to 10.30am parking restriction in High Street, Wanstead.

Campaign leader Michael Powis, 70, of Grosvenor Road, Wanstead, said: “I’m delighted - and shocked - this is a complete turn around.”

“I don’t see it as a victory for us, I see it as a victory for common sense.”

His thoughts were echoed by Melvyn Marks, 56, of Peel Place, South Woodford, who said: “That’s fantastic, it’s brilliant news. It’s morally the right thing to do so I’m glad the council has listened to us.”

Judith Zimelstern, of Judith of Wanstead, in High Street, said: “It’s excellent to hear but they could still go ahead with Resident Parking Permits. It’s a bigger issue because there’s only parking for so many places in the high street.”

South Woodford Business Partnership chairman Kerk Davies said: “This is brilliant news for all the traders here. That Redbridge Council have changed their minds on the issue is a great thing and shows the strength of campaigning as well as them listening to people – we have to applaud that.”

The parking permits would make parking spaces exclusive to residents of many borough roads, who would pay £237.75 a year to park three cars.

Councillor Michelle Dunn, cabinet member for Highways, said: “Times are tough for everyone at the moment so it is important that I take on board the comments that I’m hearing. The best solution is to recommend that the cabinet listens to these views too and does not continue with the proposals.”

“It is important to recognise that some areas have welcomed the parking schemes and we will look to act on their wishes.”

The cabinet meeting is due to start at 7.15pm at Town Hall, in High Road, Ilford.

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