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Sister weeklies launch free parking campaign

A campaign to allow drivers to park free for half an hour on high streets has been launched by a weekly newspaper series.

The North London Times & Independent Series has started a petition pressing Barnet Council to introduce the initiative, which it believes will encourage more people to visit the area.

A motion to introduce 30 minutes of free parking on the borough’s streets was rejected by the council’s environment committee in November.

But shopkeepers have told the Times & Independent Series they believe trade has dwindled due to parking fees – which vary between 50p and £1.

The campaign's logo

The campaign’s logo

Chief reporter Anna Slater said: “Having spoken to traders and done countless stories on the dire parking situation in Barnet so many traders have attempted to start petitions but these have all been rejected on this matter.

“So we decided to take matters in our own hands by launching a parking petition.

“We’ve had a great response so far, with more than 1,000 offline and online signatures in less than a week which is fantastic.”

The series runs editions for Hendon & Finchley, Barnet & Potters Bar and Edgware & Mill Hill.

Parking campaigner Derek Dishman, who lives in Barnet, has backed the scheme.

He said: “Parking does not have to concern many and space can be rationed by time as easily by the pound.

“I think this campaign is an excellent idea.

“The high street is suffering with huge competition against the internet, so the more we can do.”

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  • January 23, 2015 at 12:09 pm
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    Breathtaking! They will be calling for a revolution next against the British Establishment.
    Somebody warn them to watch out for assassins.

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