Independent retailers or shops fighting for survival in the present economic slowdown will get a stimulus. Waltham Forest Council plans to give 15 minutes of free parking across Higham Park. The scheme is to be rolled out to Walthamstow, Leytonstone, Leyton and Chingford (South) too. The scheme aims to bring back customers and shoppers to the local shops at Hale End Road and The Avenue. Recently retailers here have lost business to a Tesco megastore, opened last month, off Lankshall Road. The free car parking space at the supermarket has pulled away customers from high streets, where they have to pay for parking.
According to ward councillors Darshan Sunger, Paul Braham, and Sheree Rackham, they have pushed the scheme for the 15-minute free parking to be implemented before Christmas. The council however has not yet provided any details as to when the scheme will be started, but just stated this plan would be introduced across the borough. A similar scheme implemented in Station Road, Chingford, in June 2011, proved successful.
The latest scheme would help if shoppers wanted to stay longer. Using the overhauled voucher system they could pay by card inside a shop or text a number to pay. Councillor Clyde Loakes, cabinet member for environment, said that after evaluation it was obvious that the scheme made life easier to both residents and businesses. Councillor Braham said that they hope to increase capacity by identifying unused taxi spaces too for parking.
