CONTROVERSIAL proposals could see parking restrictions imposed in two more streets.

Redbridge Council is consulting on a plan to introduce a pay and display scheme and permits in Chigwell Road and Hermon Hill in South Woodford.

A similar scheme was ditched in High Road, Wanstead, after thousands of people signed a petition against the plan.

Business owners claimed the move would deter customers from visiting the area and cause further hardship in difficult economic times.

And some businesses based inside the proposed zone agree.

Anant Patel, owner of A&S Tyres & Wheels on Chigwell Road, said: "We are a motor garage and people need to bring us their cars.

"It is a nightmare already with people trying to find anywhere to park, but if the road becomes full of permit bays or yellow lines then where will people park?"

Jill Fox, manger of The Ark Fish Restaurant on Hermon Hill, believes the introduction of paid-for parking will deter customers.

"It will affect our trade, she said.

"We get a lot of elderly customers who come at lunch time and park on the street.

"For people to pay to park it will deter them from coming."

But residents admit there is a problem with congestion in the street and called for restrictions to go further.

John Hehir, 72, of Chigwell Road, said people regularly park outside his home.

"There is a constant problem here and it is only going to get worse," he added

"I don't know how bus drivers haven't complained about the roads, because driving down them is terrible with cars parked on both sides of the street.

"Introducing paid for parking or permit bays will not help."

Valerie Law, 76, of Hermon Hill, said: "I wish they would stop all parking on the road. It is dangerous.

"I get people parking across my driveway, I hate it, but I would rather that than people parking dangerously in the road."

The issue was due to be discussed at a meeting of the Area 2 committee on Tuesday.

Residents and businesses have until Friday June 8 to register their views with the council.

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