Opposition to the Controlled Parking Zone in Nunhead continues to grow, with local businesses saying the proposed rules will force them to close.
Last month, news that the council were proposing a parking permit scheme in Nunhead was met with fierce opposition from residents.
The Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) scheme would require everyone to buy a permit in order to park – costing £225 a year for petrol cars and £300 for diesel.
Now, local business owners are speaking out, with many claiming this will be the end of their businesses altogether.
Jason Budd who runs FC Sopers Fishmongers, which has been there since 1897, said, “It’ll close us down in the long run. That’s all I can see happening.”
He added that he won’t be the only one. “There’s no way that every business will be able to survive on local trade alone – it’s impossible,” he said.
The fishmongers are based on Evelina Road – the high street in Nunhead which stands to be directly affected by the new rules.
Next door is the flower shop, AG Flowers run by John Newbery – who is also worried. “Lots of our customers come from different areas who won’t come if they have to pay to park.
“And why now? People working full-time are struggling to put food on the table. They’re bringing this in when people are struggling the most. It doesn’t make sense.”
Their biggest fear is that people will stop shopping locally.
Vince Turrell, owner of Nunhead Carpets said: “Lots of people coming here to buy houses want to keep it local. But if these permits come in there’s going to be no local shops left because everyone will go to supermarkets instead where they can park for free.”
Harris Minhas, Director of Dexter’s estate agents on the same road said: “From a housing point of view, a big part of why people come to move here is the local businesses.
“If this goes through and the shops are forced to close, it’ll put people off coming to live here.”
Since the first article, the council sent out another leaflet with more reasons behind their proposals and they also extended the deadline for consultation until the 9th of June. When we asked the reason behind the extension, Southwark Council said it had been extended due to the ‘widespread interest in the scheme.’
Despite being an essential part of the community and beyond – not one of these local businesses said they received either leaflet detailing the proposals.
“They’ve not consulted businesses – we weren’t told anything,” said Emma Southon, who owns PopBox art supply shop.
“The first thing I heard about this was from customers.”
“I’m really proud of this street because it’s a really strong, independent high street,” Emma explained.
“But I think when they come and stamp [the permits] on, it’s just going to go.”
Councillor James McAsh, Cabinet Member for the Climate Emergency, Clean Air and Streets, said: “Our vision is for Southwark to be a clean, green and safe borough. The introduction of parking permits under our Streets for People scheme reclaims space for things we all value by reducing traffic, ensuring safer streets, promoting sustainable transportation options, and prioritising parking spaces for local residents and businesses.
“Most Southwark residents already live in an area with parking permits. When the system is expanded across the borough, all residents will be treated equally.”
He continued: “We value the input of our residents and are seeking their views on the design of the scheme, aiming to work together for its success. By taking action now, we are laying the foundation for a greener and healthier borough for future generations.”
The scheme in Nunhead is part of a borough-wide plan, but the council added there is ‘no deadline date’ for this.
With regard to the consultation, the council explained that since the CPZ is part of their Streets for People plan, rather than asking residents whether it goes in or not they are asking them to shape the operating hours and what they introduce into the parking zone.
In addition to the traders, many residents say they will ‘continue to fight this’ and have now created an established campaign to oppose the plans.
Judy Pevan, who started the original petition against the CPZ – which now has nearly 2,900 signatures – said: “The consultation has not been done appropriately and it needs to be redone.
“We will continue to fight this.”
The new deadline for the consultation is Friday, 9th June.
A Controlled Parking Zone could be coming to the Queen’s Road area of Peckham
