BUSINESSES and shoppers are calling on the council to reverse parking measures that “discriminate” against Woodford Bridge.

In September 2016 Redbridge Council launched an experimental parking scheme imposing pay and display charges in Chigwell Road and permits in neighbouring residential roads.

The scheme is almost identical to the one proposed for Wanstead, which has caused mass controversy since it was first unveiled last year.

But along Woodford Bridge’s shopping parade the first 30 minutes free parking is only available to those who pay by phone or debit card. Elsewhere in the borough people can just push a button.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

The council claims people have been “abusing” the system by returning to their cars after the first 30 minutes and pressing the button again, and hopes the Woodford Bridge “experiment” will deter people from doing so.

But after 1,582 people signed a petition against the scheme, the issue is up for debate at this Thursday’s (June 22) council meeting.

The petition reads: “We want to be treated the same as Snakes Lane and Barkingside High Street shop keepers and shoppers are.

“If the meters stay we want to be able to press the green button for free 30 minutes parking, but ideally we want to go back to no meters.”

The council claims the scheme is justified after it consulted on the matter in October 2014 and found “high levels of parking and poor space turnover”.

But ward opposition Cllr Paul Canal has branded it “unfair discrimination against Woodford Bridge residents, visitors, and businesses".

On Thursday he will call on the council to bring Woodford Bridge in line with other parts of the borough and abolish the cashless system to get the first 30 minutes free.

Shop managers have claimed the parade is so “dead” during the week, that some have decided to open on Sundays to dodge parking measures and bring in more trade.

They also believe the scheme played a part in two shops closing down in the area recently.

The petition will be debated at Redbridge Town Hall in Ilford High Road at 7.15pm on Thursday.