CAMPAIGNERS have banded together to oppose “a tax on the most disadvantaged” in the form of a pay and display parking system.

Twenty unhappy residents believe businesses would be negatively impacted by the new system of parking for Wanstead High Street.

Scott Wilding, 35, Addison Road, who is leading the petition, expressed frustration at the imposition of the new system.

He said: “I think it’s unfair- as the vicar of Christchurch pointed out, if you’re elderly or infirm but not infirm enough to qualify for a blue badge, this is a tax on the most disadvantaged.

“They’re imposing it despite the majority not backing it which is most unfair.”

He criticised the council for spending money on system that addresses a “non-existent” concern, saying: “Parking is not an issue in Wanstead- it’s a money making exercise for the council.

“We also have a big car park which is never full. This isn’t about making life easier- how can you justify it?”

Mr Wilding lamented the loss of another local service, which he believes came at the expense of the new parking system.

“We want them to scrap pay and display entirely. If they hadn’t bothered with the parking scheme they could’ve kept meals on wheels, which cost £120,000 a year to run. The parking scheme has already cost £90,000.”

He claimed traders would suffer as a consequence, saying: “I think it will be a drain on businesses. Councils have tried to impose it on us before. Sixty-four per cent of people don’t want it. The Mary Portas review said a lack of free parking would hurt businesses.

“We have had businesses close and this isn’t going to help their trade.”

He predicted that most businesses would “probably” be on side following discussions earlier this year.

Redbridge Council’s consultation, which closed on May 5, proposed a “scaled-down version” of the original plan would be implemented.

The introduction of a pay and display scheme allowing half-an-hour of fee parking was touted, as well as a residents’ parking scheme.

Commuter parking was most commonly identified as the main cause of problems.

A spokeswoman for Redbridge Council said: "We will be publishing a notice of intention within the next few weeks which will outline the scheme proposals and this will allow a period of 21 days for any representations (either for or against the scheme) to be made.

"Parking schemes are not intended to raise revenue but are used to help improve road safety and parking opportunities for local people. As with always, any surplus income generated is used to fund other transport services within the borough."