FOLLOWING this morning's protest, traders say they are angered by the council's “lack of understanding” over parking issues in South Woodford.

After shopkeepers in George Lane joined in a show of solidarity this morning, a spokeswoman for Redbridge Council told the Guardian they are “at a loss as to why people are protesting” over plans to use CCTV to catch people flouting parking rules.

She also made clear that there will be no special allowances for traders who need to park up quickly to load and unload stock to their shops.

A petition is currently being drawn up after the revelation that following numerous denials, CCTV cameras due to be funded by a £1.7million regeneration project will be used to enforce parking restrictions as well as to prevent crime.

Shopkeepers are concerned that the plans will drive customers away from the area and restrict them in their work.

The council spokeswoman said: “We are are at a loss as to why people are protesting against something that will ultimately make the streets of South Woodford safer, capture those perpetrators of crime and help bring them to justice.

“The cameras are there first and foremost for the safety of local residents. But our message is simple, if you don't park contrary to the regulations you will not be caught on camera and penalised."

“ She added: “Shop keepers will be allowed to load and unload, so long as they do so legally and adhere to existing restrictions.”

Robert Federico from the Little Woodford Café on George Lane said: “There's yellow lines opposite us and right next to us and we often have to park on them because there's no other choice.

“We have a traders' permit but that runs out 300 metres away and it's not safe to be carrying everything that far.

“There just seems to be a real lack of understanding from the council and I'm surprised that no one has even come down to speak to us about it.”

The cameras are due to go up next month as part of a Transport For London sponsored regeneration that will also see improved paving and signage.