Jignash Patel: ‘businesses, be aware that new parking measures are coming…’

• AS one of many small newsagent/convenience stores I wish to advise all businesses in Camden to be aware that new parking measures are coming into place.

As anyone with a business would agree, a vehicle is essential for a smooth operation for it to trade. It’s no longer straightforward to apply for business parking permits. You have to prove a long list of criteria, not to mention the considerable time and effort that you have to put in to attain them.

It seems to have been forgotten that we have served the community for well over 48 years, working through the Covid-19 pandemic and looking after the elderly who are housebound. Shops are an important part of the community.

I am 58 years old and, thankfully, I can still manage to upload documents on their website; but imagine if I were not so computer literate. The arduous process of justifying our need simply to be able to park involves supplying seemingly endless loads of data.

It’s a process that could easily drive people away and the community would lose these important hubs upon which so many rely. For me this has caused so much stress, adding to my already existing health issues.

I have now been told that they are satisfied with my responses so I can now use my permit which I might add was half-way through its term when they started their inquiry and was put on hold pending the outcome.

A consultation (cleaner fair parking) is in process, and I urge all to participate even if it’s a tick-box exercise.

JIGNESH PATEL
Shreeji Newsagents
Malden Road, NW5