Haringey Council has scrapped controversial plans to introduce hourly parking charges following significant public opposition from residents.
More than 5,200 people signed a petition against the Labour-led council’s proposal to replace the existing £5 daily parking permit system.
The north London borough, which includes areas such as Highgate, Muswell Hill, Tottenham and Wood Green, announced the reversal in an update on wider parking reforms.
The Labour council confirmed it had abandoned the changes “after listening to extensive feedback from Haringey residents”.
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Campaigners and local residents said they were pleased that the proposals were being axed
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Under the proposed scheme, drivers would have faced charges of £1.20 per hour to park, potentially costing up to £17 for a full day.
The council had initially argued that scrapping daily permits was necessary, claiming they were being misused by commuters and drivers who weren’t entitled to resident permits.
The change would have particularly affected residents with visiting friends or relatives staying for extended periods, who could have faced substantial costs.
Campaigners argued the new charging system would have hit the poorest areas of Haringey the hardest.
Councillor Seema Chandwani, Haringey’s cabinet member for resident services, said daily permits were being retained after “residents overwhelmingly stated abolishing them would be unfair”.
She added that the decision demonstrated the power of community engagement following the backlash from residents.
Tom Leanse, who organised the petition and had previously described the proposals as “grossly unfair”, welcomed the council’s reversal.
He said: “I’m pleased that the council seem to have listened and that daily permits are going to be retained.”
Following a Freedom of Information request, campaigners revealed concerns that the proposed changes were primarily aimed at generating council revenue rather than managing parking.
Haringey Council will proceed with other elements of its 10-point plan to manage road space amid the borough’s growing population.
New measures set to be implemented include charges for rejected permit applications and fees for electric vehicle parking and charging bays.
The council will also introduce a new parking surcharge for larger vehicles to “reflect the space required”.
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Councils are considering hiking parking permit rates to cover council losses
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Councils across the UK have been accused of using parking permit schemes to hike costs to raise money if they are struggling with financial issues.
