Robyn Rosen THE controversial pay and display scheme in Crouch End and Muswell Hill is to be reviewed, following unprecedented local opposition. Haringey council launched the Stop and Shop scheme in Crouch End and Muswell Hill last year to make more parki

Robyn Rosen

THE controversial pay and display scheme in Crouch End and Muswell Hill is to be reviewed, following unprecedented local opposition.

Haringey council launched the Stop and Shop scheme in Crouch End and Muswell Hill last year to make more parking spaces available and encourage more shoppers to visit the area by introducing pay and display facilities for a restricted period.

But many residents, traders and visitors have argued that the scheme actually confuses drivers, reduces trade and detracts shoppers from the area.

A survey conducted by the Broadway earlier this year showed that almost 90 per cent of traders in Muswell Hill and Crouch End feel that the council's parking restrictions in the borough are ruining their business.

Jack Kallou, owner of Ethos in Muswell Hill Broadway, said: It's not a major thoroughfare, so why should the council object to people parking here at any time?

"People misunderstand the signs, as they are confusing and contradictory.

"We're talking about fines that cost hundreds of pounds, it puts people off coming here to shop - they might as well go to a big shopping centre like Brent Cross."

Chris Freeman, chairman of the Crouch End Traders' Association, said: "Changes are definitely needed. The signage is very confusing, people misunderstand the difference between loading and shopping and some of the restrictions are unnecessary at some times during the day.

"Those changes would alleviate some of the problems and stop putting people off from shopping in Crouch End and it's something the council can do to help us during the credit crunch."

George Georgiou, 51, owner of Toff's in Muswell Hill Broadway, said: "It causes us problems. I've seen customers getting parking tickets while they are just popping in to get a takeaway.

"Some have been driven away from coming here as they don't want to get a �50 fine with their food."

Shopper Paul Kyri, from Southgate, said: "The signs are confusing and it's difficult to park here.

"I used to come here all the time but I've been too scared to come recently as I don't want to park and get a fine."

Last week, Haringey council parking bosses announced that a review of the scheme will take place this year.

A council spokeswoman confirmed that the main reason for the review was "at the request of the traders".

Tony Kennedy, transport officer, said: "We have agreed we will conduct a review of Stop and Shop in Muswell Hill and Crouch End.

"We will aim to improve the existing scheme for traders, residents and visitors in the area.

"The scope is yet to be determined but we will be probably reviewing the existing operation hours, signage and waiting and loading restrictions.

"The idea is to formalise and simplify the existing scheme and remove the waiting restrictions where they are not thought necessary. We're also trying to standardise the restrictions in and around Muswell Hill Broadway.

"They currently bring a lot of confusion. We will be looking to go forward with that in the near future.