An “unexpected hike” in parking prices has left the owner of one of Barkingside’s vintage businesses shocked and horrified.

Karen Quigley, owner of Byron Barbers in Broadway Market, expressed severe concern over the impact of rising car parking fees in Barkingside’s Craven Gardens car park.

A £4 increase has seen the cost of parking here rise from £6 to £10 for parking sessions of more than three hours.

Karen told the Recorder that this came as an “unexpected hike” with “no warning” from Redbridge Council.

She said it left her in a state of "shock and horror".

"How can Redbridge Council justify an increase of £4 a day?"

Byron Barbers has been in Broadway Market since 1931, making it one of Barkingside's oldest businesses.

Having owned the barber shop since 2006, Karen has kept the business afloat during recent challenging times including Covid lockdowns and today’s cost of living struggles.

But with prices rising all around her, she fears for the future of her shop.

She believes the 30 minutes of free parking allows her clients just enough time to squeeze in visits but leaves no opportunity for time-costly friendly conversation.

“A lot of my customers park in that car park”, she said. 

“Because I work appointments only, they know they’ll be seen in a set time. If I didn’t, I don’t think I’d have my customers anymore."

This rise in prices is likely to place other local firms at risk, she fears.

A Redbridge Council spokesperson said, "It's important to note that the increase for short-stay parking has not risen by £4. The misunderstanding may stem from longer-term parking rates (all day), which have increased from £6.00 to £10. However, this rise is highly unlikely to impact customers of cafes and barber shops, who typically park for much shorter durations.  

“We've adjusted our parking tariffs to focus on short-term parking. The cost of a one-hour stay has increased by 40 pence, bringing the new fee to £2 per hour. This adjustment is in line with maintaining a balanced approach that supports the needs of local businesses and the community and encourages sustainable transport options.

“We are proud to be the only London council offering one hour of free parking in all our on-street paid-for parking spaces. We understand the importance of a vibrant business community and remain committed to ensuring that parking remains accessible and affordable for all visitors to our high streets. We are open to feedback from local businesses.

“We will continue to monitor the impact of these changes to ensure a fair balance between parking availability and the needs of local businesses."