The FSB in London is aware of many problems which businesses have had with parking regulation and the enforcement of the regulations by London's Borough Councils and their contractors. It is clear that many authorities and contactors are regarding parking control as a money-generating exercise rather than a traffic management function as required by law.

Many small businesses are adversely affected by the availability and the cost of parking for themselves or for their customers – 64 per cent of small businesses in London say that the availability of parking has a negative impact on their business.

We have updated our Charter for Parking as we fear that many councils are using charges and fines as a means of grabbing funds to reduce their own budget deficit.

We have written to all London Councils asking them to adopt the policies within the Charter to support small businesses.

Portas Review:

One of the recommendations in the Mary Portas Review of the High Street was to ensure town centres remain vibrant places to shop in.  We are urging councils to think about the damage that poor parking policy has on small businesses. 

Please access our letter to leaders of the Councils in the aftermath of the report.