PARKING restrictions should be temporarily eased to help businesses during the recession, according to the Conservatives.

A Tory motion to be debated by councillors tonight (Thursday) calls for a review of the council’s parking policy, which some say is stifling trade.

Council leader Chris Robbins hinted at a possible review of parking charges, saying he had a great deal of sympathy” with the view that current policy is not helping businesses during hard times.

The motion, put forward by Cllr Alan Siggers, suggest a report should be prepared on current policy “with a view to the temporary easing of parking restrictions”, but does not offer any further detail.

Businessman Bill Hunt, a consultant for Skoda car dealership Trans City, based in Hoe Street, Walthamstow, recently said fee increases were having a “crippling” effect on business.